Spain and France lead World Cup futures betting, but value hunters are targeting Brazil, England and dark horses before kickoff
France still tops sportbooks in World Cup champion futures, both in tickets and handle, no matter where you look.
Spain follows France, then Portugal, with Brazil and England following those teams, in terms of market leaders.
The teams to watch are the host country teams – Mexico, United States and Canada, depending on how those teams do as the tournament progresses.
Things get going for real tomorrow in Mexico City, as the Mexican men’s national team hosts South Africa, 3 p.m. EST. South Korea takes on Czechia in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 10 p.m. EST tomorrow.
Then Friday, Canada hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, at 3 p.m. EST, followed by the U.S. and Paraguay in Inglewood, CA, 9 p.m. EST.
In World Cup betting at Betway, Mexico is -267 to beat South Africa (+650), with the draw priced at +350. In tomorrow night’s match, South Korea is +160, Czechia +162, and the draw +210, making it one of the most evenly priced games on the board.
For the tournament win, on the eve of the tournament, Betway has Spain +450, France +500, England +700, Portugal +800, Brazil +900, Argentina +1000, Germany +1600, Netherland +2000, Norway +3300 and Belgium +4000.
Spain enters the tournament as the reigning European champion with a young core led by Lamine Yamal.
France has the deepest squad in the field, led by Kylian Mbappé.
Money is also flowing Argentina’s way, one of the more popular futures bets, with an aging Lionel Messi the unknown factor. Is there a deep run for the defending champions?
Championship experience matters. Much of the core that won the 2022 World Cup remains intact, meaning they’ve lived through knockout-stage pressure. Plus, Argentina has depth and are no longer dependent on Messi. Players like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister more than complement Messi.
They’re defensively stable under Lionel Scaloni, and play with tactical discipline, midfield control and proven structure.
Brazil is another value play here. A deep pool of attacking talent – Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Rodrygo and Bruno Guimarães – combined with championship pedigree, and the impact of manager Carlo Ancelotti on the tactical and player management end, makes them a popular longer odds pick.
The expanded format – 48 teams, 104 matches in cities across Mexico, the United States and Canada – means more teams advancing, more volatility and more dark horses rising up, surviving the group phase and making a run.
That’s going to create more interest in markets like “To Reach the Quarterfinal” (USA +260, Mexico +333, Canada +575), “To Reach the Semifinal (USA +750, Mexico +1100, Canada +1600), “Stage of Elimination” (Canada, Group Stage +550, Round of 32 -106, Round of 16 +200, Quarterfinals +700).
It’s been 60 years since England has won a World Cup, that one on home soil, at Wembley Stadium in London.
They’re my pick this time out. (Hell, we have the New York Knicks in the NBA closing in on their first championship title since 1973, so why not?)
One of the deepest squads in the tournament, with emerging global superstar Jude Bellingham, Golden Boot betting favorite Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, with the Three Lions having elite options at nearly every position.
