bet365 News Team Predictions: Who will win the 2026 World Cup?

The greatest show on earth is nearly upon us.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday 11th June as 48 nations compete in the six-week extravaganza with the goal of being crowned champions of the world.

Staged in Mexico, Canada and the United States, there are a number of strong contenders to lift the iconic World Cup trophy.

European champions Spain are the pre-tournament favourites to replicate the indomitable La Roja side of 2010 and win only their second World Cup.

France and England are both heavily fancied ahead of five-time winners Brazil, while Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to bow out of his final World Cup with a winners' medal around his neck for Portugal.

The defending champions, Argentina, are also set to bid a World Cup farewell to Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste will be aiming to become the first nation to go back-to-back since Brazil in 1962.

Germany's tournament pedigree means Julian Nagelsmann's side cannot be ignored, while Ronald Koeman will be hoping his team can deliver the Netherlands' first World Cup.

Writers from the bet365 News team have revealed who they think will emerge triumphant in New Jersey on the 19th July.

Who will win the 2026 World Cup?

Jaquob Crooke: France

Jaquob Crooke

The array of attacking talent in France's squad is irresistible.

In what will be the final act of his 14-year tenure, Didier Deschamps cannot fail when he has Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki at his disposal.

Question marks about squad harmony and Mbappe's mindset always linger, but their route to the semi-finals shouldn't be troublesome and they look well-placed to avenge their final defeat to Argentina four years ago.

Liam Williams: England

Liam Williams

Gareth Southgate did an excellent job with England but his tactical limitations were his undoing.

They've now got the best tactical mind at the World Cup and quite possibly the world's best player.

There are concerns around their defence, but neither France nor Spain look bulletproof and their managers might be what holds them back, while there are too many question marks around the remaining contenders.

Mark Mothershaw: Argentina

Mark Mothershaw

“We are not going to the World Cup to win it… we are going to defend it.” The defiant message of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni last month.

If ever you needed a reminder of the immense mentality of the South American giants, then this is it.

There isn’t such a need to pin all of their hopes on Lionel Messi this time around neither, and that could be key. Managing the maestro’s workload this summer, and utilising him at the right moments and in those key matches will be paramount to their success.

Argentina proved to be the best team on the planet four years ago, and, with arguably an even better side in tow this time around, they are my pick to be celebrating glory come the end of this year’s extravaganza too.

William Dobbie: Portugal

William Dobbie

The 48-team World Cup can see Portugal be crowned champions for the very first time.

Stamina-sapping conditions combined with an additional game will see sides that keep the ball fare much better; perfect for a midfield triumvirate consisting of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes.

Throw in two of the best full-backs on the planet and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo, then Lusos absolutely have what it takes to go all the way.

Hayden Cottle: Argentina

Hayden Cottle

Winning mentality. The hardest thing in sport to manufacture and one of the most sought after commodities in the game.

From top to bottom, this Argentina side possess the mental fortitude and self belief that can only be earned from consistent success.

With eight of the Argentina starting XI from their Copa America final in 2021 still here in 2026, Lionel Scaloni's side are heading towards the end of their era.

Having won two continental titles, one Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup, this Argentina side have forgotten how to lose.

While they may not be the best sum of their parts in the tournament, Lionel Messi's Argentina have the mindset and big game experience to earn one more piece of international immortality.

George Wood: Spain

George Wood

Spain justify their favouritism by winning the World Cup with ease, they have the momentum of their Euros win, their starting XI and depth is as good as anyone at the tournament and they seem to have a togetherness that the France squad lack.

Their mixture of youth and experience is almost perfect, their strongest players are coming into or are already in form at the right time, such as Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz and Pedri and I don’t think any other team is as well balanced.

bet365's World Cup winner predictions

Writer:	Pick:
Jaquob Crooke	France
Liam Williams	England
Mark Mothershaw	Argentina
William Dobbie	Portugal
Hayden Cottle	Argentina
George Wood	Spain

Check out the latest World Cup odds on site.