The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the largest edition of the most prestigious football tournament in history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete for the championship title, with matches held across three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will start in June 2026 and culminate in a grand final match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
A significant change for this World Cup lies in its structure. The group stage will now consist of 16 groups with three teams each, replacing the traditional eight groups of 4. The top two teams from each group will advance to the 32-team knockout stage, adding a new layer of complexity and opportunity to every game. With this expanded format, there will be a total of 104 matches, making it the longest tournament in World Cup history. The new system also increases the unpredictability — something bookmakers are closely watching when setting early odds.
World Cup Standings & Fixtures
European qualifiers are underway, with several teams already showing strong form. Below are select standings and upcoming fixtures from active groups that have already begun their road to the FIFA World Cup:
Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
Poland | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 6 |
Finland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
Lithuania | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
Malta | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
Bosnia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
Romania | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 3 |
Cyprus | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
Austria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
San Marino | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Date | Match |
07.06.25 | Malta vs. Lithuania |
07.06.25 | Finland vs. Netherlands |
07.06.25 | Bosnia vs. San Marino |
07.06.25 | Andorra vs. England |
10.06.25 | Finland vs. Poland |
10.06.25 | Romania vs. Cyprus |
10.06.25 | Serbia vs. Andorra |
10.06.25 | Kazakhstan vs. North Macedonia |
2026 World Cup Statistics
Although the main tournament hasn’t started yet, the qualifiers are already generating meaningful statistical trends that can influence FIFA World Cup bet behavior. Poland, for example, has started their campaign with two straight wins and zero goals conceded, making them one of the best defensive teams in the qualifiers so far.
On the attacking front, Norway has impressed in Group I with nine goals in just two games, thanks to the form of their star strikers. Similarly, England’s opening matches demonstrated their defensive organization, not conceding a single goal while scoring five. Romania and Bosnia are also putting up strong numbers, with Bosnia leading Group H by maintaining a perfect record and a positive goal difference.
These early results provide key indicators for evaluating team momentum, depth, and tactical efficiency — critical factors for placing intelligent FIFA World Cup Betting slips on group winners or top match performers.
World Cup Predictions and Favorites 2026
As we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, traditional powerhouses are once again dominating the early predictions. France is currently one of the strongest candidates to lift the trophy, boasting a squad full of youth and experience. After winning the 2018 edition and finishing runners-up in 2022, they are eager to reassert dominance on the global stage. World Cup bet markets already reflect France’s dominant standing, with many bookmakers listing them as early favorites to win outright.
Spain is another top contender, especially after their recent Euro success. Their midfield control and tactical discipline have earned them high odds across most platforms. Brazil remains ever-dangerous, having topped their South American qualifying group, while Argentina seeks to defend their champion title after Messi’s historic win in Qatar 2022.
Betting Odds and Tips
World Cup bet Tips:
- Use stats from qualifiers: Teams like Poland and Bosnia are displaying strong form early — use this to shape group winner markets and first-match bets.
- Look beyond favorites: Mid-tier nations like Portugal or Denmark may offer valuable lines for those willing to go beyond traditional picks.
- Player markets: Keep an eye on top scorers in qualification rounds to predict who could dominate at the main event.
- Timing is key: Early bets often carry better value, especially before squads are officially announced or injuries occur.
To make the most of your World Cup bet, analyze team performance trends, tactical matchups, and recent games, especially during qualifiers. FIFA World Cup Betting early can yield higher returns, but monitoring updates from FIFA and national team camps is essential to outmaneuver shifting odds and public sentiment.