2026 World Cup Tips, Predictions & Previews
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
It will be the 23rd edition of the World Cup and will see Argentina looking to defend the crown they secured in Qatar in 2022.
The Socceroos will also be hoping to progress to the knockout phase for the third time after reaching the R16 and narrowly losing to eventual winners Argentina in 2022.
Bets.com.au football experts will provide free betting tips, predictions and previews of every World Cup match throughout the entire tournament as well as predictions for all the key World Cup qualifiers.
World Cup 2026 Bookmakers
Every leading bookmaker in Australia will be offering odds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our pick of the bunch can be viewed below.
World Cup 2026 Betting Odds
Spain are the current favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, followed by England, France, Brazil and Argentina, who are all in single-digit odds with online bookmaker NextBet.
Odds from NextBet. Correct from 20/4/26.
The Socceroos are $501 to pull off a miracle.
You can check out the current winner odds for every nation still in contention at the World Cup in the table below.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spain | $5.50 |
| France | $5.50 |
| England | $7.50 |
| Argentina | $9.00 |
| Brazil | $9.00 |
| Portugal | $10.00 |
| Germany | $15.00 |
| Netherlands | $21.00 |
| Norway | $29.00 |
| Belgium | $34.00 |
| Colombia | $41.00 |
| Morocco | $51.00 |
| Japan | $51.00 |
| USA | $61.00 |
| Uruguay | $61.00 |
| Mexico | $67.00 |
| Croatia | $81.00 |
| Senegal | $81.00 |
| Switzerland | $81.00 |
| Ecuador | $101.00 |
| Turkiye | $101.00 |
| Sweden | $101.00 |
| Austria | $126.00 |
| Canada | $151.00 |
| Czechia | $201.00 |
| Paraguay | $201.00 |
| Scotland | $201.00 |
| South Korea | $201.00 |
| Ivory Coast | $251.00 |
| Bosnia | $251.00 |
| Algeria | $301.00 |
| Egypt | $301.00 |
| Ghana | $301.00 |
| Australia | $501.00 |
| Iran | $501.00 |
| Tunisia | $501.00 |
| DR Congo | $751.00 |
| South Africa | $751.00 |
| Cape Verde Islands | $1,001.00 |
| Curacao | $1,001.00 |
| Haiti | $1,001.00 |
| Iraq | $1,001.00 |
| Jordan | $1,001.00 |
| New Zealand | $1,001.00 |
| Panama | $1,001.00 |
| Qatar | $1,001.00 |
| Saudi Arabia | $1,001.00 |
| Uzbekistan | $1,001.00 |
World Cup 2026 Teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the competition to feature an expanded 48 nations, with USA, Mexico and Canada earning automatic qualification as the three host nations.
You can check out the teams who have qualified for the 2026 World Cup below.
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
Europe (UEFA): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Türkiye, Sweden
Asia (AFC): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Iraq
Africa (CAF): Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Congo DR
North American (CONCACAF): Panama, Curacao, Haiti
South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Oceania (OFC): New Zealand
World Cup 2026 Draw & Groups
| Group | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Mexico 🇲🇽 | South Korea 🇰🇷 | South Africa 🇿🇦 | |
| B | Canada 🇨🇦 | Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Qatar 🇶🇦 | Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 |
| C | Brazil 🇧🇷 | Morocco 🇲🇦 | Scotland 🏴 | Haiti 🇭🇹 |
| D | United States 🇺🇸 | Australia 🇦🇺 | Paraguay 🇵🇾 | Türkiye 🇹🇷 |
| E | Germany 🇩🇪 | Ecuador 🇪🇨 | Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 | Curaçao 🇨🇼 |
| F | Netherlands 🇳🇱 | Japan 🇯🇵 | Tunisia 🇹🇳 | |
| G | Belgium 🇧🇪 | Iran 🇮🇷 | Egypt 🇪🇬 | |
| H | Spain 🇪🇸 | Uruguay 🇺🇾 | Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | |
| I | France 🇫🇷 | Senegal 🇸🇳 | Norway 🇳🇴 | |
| J | Argentina 🇦🇷 | Austria 🇦🇹 | Algeria 🇩🇿 | Jordan 🇯🇴 |
| K | Portugal 🇵🇹 | Colombia 🇨🇴 | Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 | |
| L | England 🏴 | Croatia 🇭🇷 | Panama 🇵🇦 | Ghana 🇬🇭 |
World Cup 2026 Schedule
The final schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been revealed.
Host nation Mexico launch the competition on June 12 (AEST) against South Africa in what is a replay of the 2010 World Cup opener.
The Socceroos will come up against host nation USA in Seattle and Paraguay in Santa Clara, along with facing Turkey in Vancouver.
The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York on July 20 (AEST).
The full and complete FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures schedule can be viewed at this link.
World Cup 2026 Live Streaming
Soccer fans in Australia will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on free-to-air on SBS.
All 104 matches from the United States, Canada and Mexico will be shown live and free on SBS, with games also shown live on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
Online bookmaker bet365 also live stream soccer matches from top leagues and competitions around the world.
In order to watch live soccer on bet365, follow the steps below:
- Sign in or register for an account at bet365
- Click this link: bet365 > Live Streaming > Soccer
- Select the league and match you want to watch.
- Registered depositing users can now watch & bet on soccer.
Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access.
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Note, under Australian law, Live Streaming on bet365 is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018.
World Cup 2026 Betting Markets
There's various markets in which punters can bet on the 2026 World Cup - be it a simple H2H bet, an extravagant multi or a well-crafted player prop.
Check out all the ways you can bet on the World Cup below.
Futures Markets
- World Cup Winner – Bet on which nation lifts the trophy.
- To Reach the Final – Predict the two finalists.
- To Reach the Semi-Finals / Quarter-Finals – Team progression markets.
- Group Winner / Group Qualifier – Markets for each of the 12 groups.
- Stage of Elimination – How far a nation will advance (Group, R16, QF, SF, Final).
Match Result Markets
- Head-to-Head (1X2) – Win, Draw or Loss.
- Double Chance – Covers two outcomes (Win or Draw).
- Draw No Bet – Refund on draw.
- Halftime/Fulltime Result – Predict both intervals.
Goal Markets
- Total Goals (Over/Under) – Line-set (e.g., Over 2.5).
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS) – Yes/No.
- Correct Score – Predict the exact result.
- Team Total Goals – e.g., Brazil Over 1.5.
- Goal Bands – 0–1 goals, 2–3, 4+.
Player Prop Markets
- Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot) – Tournament’s leading scorer.
- Player to Score Anytime / First / Last – Individual match scorers.
- Player Assists (Golden Playmaker) – Most assists at the tournament.
- Player Shots & Player Shots On Target
- Yellow & Red Cards
- Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball) – MVP.
- Goalkeeper of the Tournament (Golden Glove).
Group Stage Markets
- Group Winner
- Top 2 Qualifiers
- Exact Group Order – Predict 1st–4th exactly.
- Team Points Markets – Over/Under points total.
Team Performance Specials
- Team Total Tournament Goals
- Team to Win All Group Games
- Team to Go Undefeated
- Team to Come Last in Group
Australia-Specific Markets (popular for Socceroos fans)
- Australia to Advance from Group
- Australia Stage of Elimination
- Australia Total Goals
- Australia to Win a Match
- Player Goals (Irankunda, Toure, Goodwin, etc.)
Multis/Parlays/Accumulators
- Multi - add multiple legs to your bet to create more value
- Same Game Multi - add multiple legs to your bet from the same game
In-Play (Live) Markets
- Next Goal
- Next Team to Score
- Live Asian Handicap
- Live Totals
- Live Player Shots / Cards / Goals
Tournament Specials
- Continent of the Winner
- Winner From World Cup Pot Number
- VAR Specials – Most overturned decisions, etc.
World Cup 2026 Stadiums
There are 16 host cities that have been announced by FIFA. These cities are:
| Stadium | City | Country | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico | 87,523 |
| MetLife Stadium | New Jersey | United States | 82,500 |
| AT&T Stadium | Dallas | United States | 80,000 |
| GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City | United States | 76,416 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | United States | 72,220 |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta | United States | 71,000 |
| SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles | United States | 70,240 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia | United States | 69,796 |
| Lumen Field | Seattle | United States | 69,000 |
| Levi's Stadium | Santa Clara | United States | 68,500 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | United States | 65,878 |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami | United States | 64,767 |
| BC Place | Vancouver | Canada | 54,500 |
| Estadio BBVA | Monterrey | Mexico | 53,500 |
| Estadio Akron | Guadalajara | Mexico | 49,850 |
| BMO Field | Toronto | Canada | 30,000 |
World Cup 2026 Social Media
World Cup 2026 News
The official FIFA website is the primary source for all of the latest World Cup 2026 news, including match reports, player interviews, highlights, statistics, groups, schedule information and more.
World Cup History
The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament (and arguably the biggest sporting competition in the world, even larger than the Olympics), first held in 1930 in Uruguay.
Held every four years (except 1942 and 1946 due to World War II), it brings together the world’s top national teams.
Below is brief summary/timeline of the FIFA World Cup:
- 1930: Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup.
- 1930s–1950s: Early dominance from Uruguay, Italy, and later West Germany.
- 1958: A 17-year-old Pelé burst onto the scene as Brazil began its rise.
- 1960s-1980s: Iconic eras led by Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and elite European sides.
- 1990s: The tournament expanded and globalised; Brazil and Germany remained powerhouses.
- 2000s-2020s: Spain, France and Argentina enjoyed golden generations; Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo brought unprecedented global attention.
Most Titles:
- Brazil – 5
- Germany – 4
- Italy – 4
The tournament has grown from 13 teams in 1930 to 48 teams for 2026, making it the biggest World Cup in history. The event remains the most-watched sporting spectacle on the planet, uniting countries through football drama, national pride and unforgettable moments.
Socceroos World Cup History
Australia’s journey on the world stage has been long, frustrating at times, but ultimately historic. Here’s the complete overview:
First Appearance: 1974 (West Germany)
- Australia’s debut World Cup.
- Finished bottom of their group but earned a respectable 0–0 draw vs Chile, their first World Cup point.
32-Year Absence (1978–2002)
- Australia repeatedly fell agonisingly short:
- Lost intercontinental playoffs to Scotland (1986), Argentina (1994), Iran (1998) and Uruguay (2002).
- This era built the foundation for what would become the nation’s “golden generation.”
2006 – Germany (Golden Generation Breakthrough)
- Australia’s best-ever World Cup run.
- Advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time.
- Famous 3–1 comeback win over Japan, with Tim Cahill emerging as a world class player
- Eliminated by Italy via a controversial late penalty.
2010 – South Africa
- Missed the knockout stage on goal difference.
- Memorable 2–1 win over Serbia.
2014 – Brazil
- Drawn in a “Group of Death” with Spain, Netherlands, and Chile.
- Despite three losses, Australia scored in every match; Cahill hit a world-class volley vs the Netherlands.
2018 – Russia
- Earned two draws but failed to progress.
- Strong defensive structure under Bert van Marwijk, but lacked a goalscoring threat.
2022 – Qatar (Historic Achievement)
- Australia matched their best-ever result under Graham Arnold: Round of 16.
- Wins over Tunisia and Denmark.
- Pushed eventual champions Argentina to the wire, losing 2–1 after a late near-equaliser by Garang Kuol.
2026 Outlook
- Under new manager Tony Popovic, Australia again qualified early.
- A new generation - including Irankunda, Toure, Bos & Circati - brings fresh attacking and defensive talent.
Men's FIFA World Cup Winners
In 2022, Argentina secured their third triumph at the world's biggest sporting event as Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long, with this win in 2022 backing up previous triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
| Year | Winner | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Uruguay | Argentina |
| 1934 | Italy | Czechoslovakia |
| 1938 | Italy | Hungary |
| 1950 | Uruguay | Brazil |
| 1954 | West Germany | Hungary |
| 1958 | Brazil | Sweden |
| 1962 | Brazil | Czechoslovakia |
| 1966 | England | West Germany |
| 1970 | Brazil | Italy |
| 1974 | West Germany | Netherlands |
| 1978 | Argentina | Netherlands |
| 1982 | Italy | West Germany |
| 1986 | Argentina | West Germany |
| 1990 | West Germany | Argentina |
| 1994 | Brazil | Italy |
| 1998 | France | Brazil |
| 2002 | Brazil | Germany |
| 2006 | Italy | France |
| 2010 | Spain | Netherlands |
| 2014 | Germany | Argentina |
| 2018 | France | Croatia |
| 2022 | Argentina | France |
| 2026 | TBD | TBD |
Most Men's World Cup Titles
| Team | Titles Won | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 5 | 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 |
| Germany | 4 | 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014 |
| Italy | 4 | 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006 |
| Argentina | 3 | 1978, 1986, 2022 |
| France | 2 | 1998, 2018 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 1930, 1950 |
| Spain | 1 | 2010 |
| England | 1 | 1966 |
FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
Canada, Mexico and the United States are the three host nations of the 2026 World Cup.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup is live between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup start?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday 11 June 2026.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to take place on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final being played?
The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
How many teams are playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
There will be 48 teams playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 2022 World Cup was the last to feature 32 teams.
What channel is showing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Australia?
SBS will broadcast all 104 matches live on free-to-air TV in Australia.
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