FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification

Everything you need to know about 2026 FIFA World Cup football betting

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings the football world to a standstill. Nations rally, underdogs rise, and legends are made. From last-minute winners to dramatic penalty shootouts, each match tells a story, and there’s always room for bold predictions in World Cup football betting. 

Whether you’re backing tournament favourites or rooting for a giant-killing upset, the stakes are as high off the pitch as they are on it. If you’ve got a hunch or a strategy, Sportsbet.io has the market you’re looking for.

How the 2026 FIFA World Cup works 

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s biggest international football tournament, held every four years, with 48 nations competing in the final stage. To qualify, teams must compete in regional qualifiers organised by FIFA’s six confederations, including UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), and AFC (Asia). 

The final tournament is split into a group stage and a knockout phase, where only one team is crowned as world champion. Matches last 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties used when necessary in knockout rounds.

The tournament began in 1930, with Uruguay winning the inaugural title. Brazil holds the record with five World Cup wins, followed by Germany and Italy. The 2022 edition in Qatar saw Argentina win a thrilling final against France on penalties. World Cup matches are known for high stakes, unpredictable outcomes, and a worldwide audience, making them a favourite for fans and bettors alike.

Popular FIFA World Cup betting markets

Sportsbet.io offers a wide range of FIFA 2026 World Cup football betting markets, similar to those found in top football leagues. If you’re new to sports betting, here are some of the most popular types of bets you can place at Sportsbet.io:

• Match winner (1X2) – Bet on the full-time result after 90 minutes, including injury time. You can back the home team to win, predict a draw (X), or choose the away team to win.
• Over/under total goals – Wager on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a set number. It doesn’t matter who wins, just how many goals are scored in total.
• Handicap betting – One team is given a goal advantage or disadvantage. Your chosen team must overcome the handicap for you to win the bet, making uneven matchups more competitive.
• First goalscorer – Bet on which team will score the first goal of the match. If your chosen team scores first (own goals count for the other team), your bet wins.
• Accumulator bets – Combine multiple selections into a single bet using Sportsbet.io’s Multi-Bet Multiplier or BetBuilder. All legs must win for a multiplied payout.
• Correct score betting – Predict the exact score at full time, including injury time. Your bet only wins if the match finishes with the exact scoreline you selected.

How to bet on the FIFA World Cup at Sportsbet.io

Betting on FIFA World Cup matches at Sportsbet.io is easy to learn and quick to master. Whether you're going for a last-minute live punt or planning a long-term tournament pick, here’s a clear guide to placing your bets: 

Step 1: Choose your match

Head to the FIFA World Cup section under football and browse the available fixtures. You’ll see matches split into categories:

• In-play – Matches already underway, with live odds that shift based on real-time events.
• Future matches – Fixtures scheduled more than 24 hours in advance, ideal for planning.
• Next 24 hours – Matches scheduled to start within the next day.
• Outright betting – Long-term bets on outcomes like tournament winners or top scorers.

Then, select the match or outright market you want to bet on.

Step 2: Select your betting option

Once you’ve chosen a match, you’ll see a list of available betting markets. Tap on the odds next to the selection you want. This will automatically add it to your bet slip. You can also build multi-bets across several fixtures for the chance at bigger payouts. Just remember, all legs must win for the bet to succeed.

Step 3: Manage your bet slip

The bet slip is the menu where you can review and finalise your bets. From here, you decide what currency to use and input how much to wager on each prediction. You can also remove some of your predictions if you changed your mind. The bet also tells you how much you can win on a successful bet. When you’re ready to bet, click ‘Place Bet’ to finalise. 

Top contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Knowing which teams and players dominate the competition can help you make more informed bets and spot value in the odds. These are the names that often shape the tournament and turn tight matches into big wins:

Argentina

Argentina returns to the FIFA World Cup with confidence, looking to defend their 2022 title. With Lionel Messi likely retired from the national stage, a new generation led by players like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández is stepping up. Their possession-based style and quick transitions remain difficult for most opponents to contain.

Tournament experience runs deep in the squad, with many players carrying a winning mentality from Qatar. Their balanced approach, tight-knit chemistry, and adaptability across different game states make them a favourite to go far again. Argentina’s mix of youth and experience makes them one of the most dependable sides in the tournament.

France

France consistently performs on the world stage and remains a serious contender for the title. Kylian Mbappé is in his prime, and alongside a deep, athletic squad, Les Bleus can outpace and outpower almost any team. Their mix of direct attack and tactical flexibility continues to work well under Didier Deschamps.

Their recent tournament record speaks volumes: winners in 2018, finalists in 2022. That ability to handle pressure and unlock games in tight moments gives them a strong edge. France is likely to be in the final stages once again.

Brazil

Brazil arrive with plenty of attacking firepower and ambition, even as they navigate a transitional period. The attacking trio of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Raphinha is among the fastest and most technically gifted in the tournament. They’ve also started showing more tactical control and composure in big matches.

What sets this Brazil side apart is its renewed focus on defensive shape. With experienced heads in midfield and backline leadership from Marquinhos, they’ve added stability to their usual flair. Expect them to produce moments of brilliance while staying harder to break down.

England

England’s golden generation is maturing, and the squad looks ready to compete for a World Cup title. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden form a dangerous creative core that can challenge any defence. Gareth Southgate’s structure and set-piece planning give them consistent control in tournament play.

They’ve come close in recent years, at the Euro 2020 final and with a strong showing in 2022. That consistency made them a serious team to back, especially against non-European opponents. With better finishing in key moments, they could finally break their long drought.

Germany

Germany is rebuilding, but not to be underestimated. Young talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz bring flair and unpredictability to a team traditionally known for precision. Under new management, they’re returning to the disciplined, efficient football that made them four-time champions.

Despite recent tournament setbacks, they remain one of the most decorated World Cup teams in history. Their ability to regroup, adapt, and deliver under pressure makes them a classic tournament threat. With more cohesion, they could easily return to the top tier.

Key factors to consider when betting on FIFA World Cup matches

Understanding the key factors behind each match can give you a real edge when placing bets. It’s not just about who’s playing, but how, where, and why they might win or lose. The World Cup brings together a variety of playing styles, match conditions, and tactical trends that can influence outcomes more than league form.

Team form and injuries

Pay close attention to recent international fixtures, friendlies, and qualifiers. Teams arriving in top form often make deep runs. Consistent performances against strong opponents are often a good sign that a team is tournament-ready. However, an injury to a key player can instantly shift the odds, especially in tight match-ups where one moment can change the game.

Group vs knockout strategy

Some teams play conservatively during the group stage and switch tactics in knockouts. For example, a defensively solid side might focus on clean sheets early, then open up with counterattacks later on. Understanding these tendencies helps you avoid surprises when betting on total goals or exact scorelines.

Managerial style and experience

Managers with tournament experience tend to manage pressure better and make smarter in-game decisions. A coach who knows how to rotate the squad or adjust tactics mid-match can turn the tide of a game. Teams with tactically flexible managers are also less likely to be caught off-guard by surprise line-ups or shifts in momentum.

Head-to-head history

Certain teams have psychological edges over others due to past dominance. For instance, some nations consistently struggle against compact, defensive teams, while others thrive on open play. A lopsided head-to-head record can hint at how confident or cautious each team might approach the match.

Weather and location

Some squads adapt better to heat, humidity, or altitude. South American teams, for instance, often perform well in warmer climates compared to European sides used to cooler conditions. These environmental factors can influence pace, stamina, and overall game rhythm, especially in host nations with extreme climates.

Odds formats explained for the FIFA World Cup betting

Sportsbet.io supports three odds formats, namely decimal, Hong Kong, and American. All three show your bet’s potential payout, the bet return, plus net profit, presenting it in different ways. 

These are the supported odds formats and how they work:

• Decimal odds - It is the most beginner-friendly and widely used format. Just multiply your bet by the odds shown to find out your total return. 

For example, a 100 USDT bet at 4.8 odds returns 480 USDT in total. Lower numbers indicate favourites with safer returns, while higher numbers signal riskier bets on underdogs.

• Hong Kong odds - This works like decimal odds, but they only show your net profit, not your full return. A 100 USDT bet at 3.8 Hong Kong odds means you profit 380 USDT, plus you get your stake back. As with the others, smaller odds are more likely to win, while bigger ones offer bigger payouts.
• American odds - This uses a positive (+) or negative (–) to indicate who’s the underdog or favourite. A +380 odds means you’d win 380 USDT from a 100 USDT bet, pointing to a high-risk, high-reward wager. If the odds are –250, you’d need to bet 250 USDT to win 100 USDT, suggesting it’s a safer pick. The smaller the number, the higher the likelihood of winning.

No matter which format you prefer, Sportsbet.io lets you switch between them easily so you can bet the way that suits you best. You can find the option on the right-side menu under the language toggle. 

Round off your World Cup bets with extra value

Think you’ve got a feel for who’ll lift the trophy? Put your instincts to the test at Sportsbet.io, where great odds and exclusive promotions and bonuses can give your predictions the boost they need. From pre-tournament punts to live match wagers, there’s always a reason to jump in on the action.

With features like Bet Sharing and the Sportsbet.io mobile app, it’s easier than ever to stay in the game. Share your winning slips with friends and followers, or take your World Cup football betting with you wherever you go. Whichever way you want to enjoy the thrill of sports betting, Sportsbet.io keeps the excitement at your fingertips.