All the latest World Cup betting news and World Cup free bets

The countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup has officially begun!

Our expert soccer writer, Kiev, looks ahead to the biggest show on earth, reviewing the tournament betting favorites and a few underrated teams who could upset their odds. We will publish a number of articles, written by Kiev, in the run up to the World Cup, giving opinion and predictions on how the tournament may play out. One thing is for sure – come the 11th June, with South Africa playing in the opening match, all eyes will be on the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. World Cup fever is building and we’re with you every step of the way with the latest world cup betting news and world cup free bets! Over to you, Kiev!

Who are the Favorites for the FIFA soccer World Cup 2026?

Spain – Undoubtedly one of the favorites, as the current European champions, with a young golden generation and dominant midfield. The Spanish team has one of the best midfields coming into the world cup, with vast experience- led by Rodri at the heart. The CDM has been a key figure under coach Pep Guardolia for his domestic team Manchester City in recent years and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Let us not forget the firepower upfront that the European champions have with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and the highly experienced Captain and centre forward leading the way, A Morata. Spain are rightfully one of the favorites, as they have won the tournament before and know what it takes to go all they way. They showed their experience in the 2010 final in South Africa with Iniesta scoring the only goal (a midfielder) to win 1-0. There’s a saying in soccer “if the midfield wins the battle, they win the game”. Will this golden generation of midfielders step up and deliver?

England – Under the new management of Thomas Tuchel, they are definitely a team to be on the lookout for. Thomas Tuchel was appointed to bring a “trophy-laden” pedigree to the role of England’s Head Coach, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024. England has a stacked squad with plenty quality all round (Bellingham, Kane, Saka, Foden to name a few) and the team eased through their World Cup qualification. England, in recent years, has shown that they have the squad to compete at the highest level. Under Gareth Southgate, the team reached two European Finals but fell short, losing both. Firstly, against Italy, on penalties at EURO 2020, then to Spain at EURO 2024. No doubt that England has the talent and quality within the squad but they lack the BMT and belief to get over the final hurdle. Under the new Head Coach Thomas Tuchel, there is hope that things might change as he has plenty history of winning. He is backed by the experience of coaching teams like PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munich successfully.

France – Also front runner favorites if you ask me, their history and recent form in the previous two World Cups speaks for themselves – France won the World Cup in 2018 and were the runners up four years later in 2022. Who can forget the final of 2022 – the iconic battle between Argentina vs France – The Messi Brace and the Kylian Mbappé Hat Trick. Was this the moment that the GOAT Messi finally passes the torch over to the next generational superstar Kylian Mbappe? What a final it was for many reasons- the end of the Messi and CR7 era??? The rise of the next generation of Superstars in Mbappe and Yamal?
France also benefit from vast managerial experience. Didier Deschamps has won this elite tournament as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. This experience speaks volumes and will make a massive difference coming into the knockout phases of this elite tournament. Didier Deschamps has also experienced heartbreak in the World Cup of 2022, losing in the final- this experience will be motivation to go all the way and win the tournament.
France has elite depth and stars like Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, William Saliba, Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann. Excellent balance of youth and experience, players who have won this competition before.

Argentina – the defending champions from 2022 can never be written off! Is this Lionel Messi’s final Chapter?? Looking at his age and his career it is almost certain that this will be his last dance.
Irrespective if this is the final dance for Lionel Messi, one thing is for sure- Lionel Messi is one of the best players to grace the field of the game. His leadership and quality can change a game in a single moment of brilliance. Lionel Messi and Argentina have a team full of superstars who have the know how and the BMT to win crucial games in whichever matter that is required. The players such as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Cristian Romero have the tactically ability to cover in a solid defense, hardworking midfield, quick attacking transitions. This is a recipe for success, and Argentina have the track record for it by winning the World Cup in 2022, and winning the 2021 Copa América.

Brazil – will always be amongst the favorites – the Brazilians with the samba dance moves – the team that always entertains – ask anyone about Brazil, they will always get you out of your seat at home.

The history must be respected and feared in equal measure! 5 times World Cup winners:

🏆 1958

🏆 1962

🏆 1970

🏆 1994

🏆 2002

Brazil is known for skillful and flair players such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphenal, Rodrygo, and Bruno Guimarães. They play attractive football at high speed and players are so comfortable with the ball at their feet. Goalkeeper Allison is excellent with distribution and they possess a defensive team which is not afraid to play out from the back with the likes of Marquinhos leading them.

Brazil will also be managed by none other than Carlo Ancelotti – the master of man management, the tactician himself who has a track record that every coach dreams of. Winning the Champions league 4 times with 2 different teams (Ac Milan and Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti, known as the cool man, strives under pressure and with all the talent at his disposal, makes Brazil a fan (and betting) favorite.

Prediction & Betting Insights

FIFA WORLD CUPS never fail to deliver, with more groups, more teams, more games. This will not be an easy one to call from the start. We have not even mentioned the dark horses such as Belgium, Netherlands and the CR7 effect needs to be considered as well for Portugal. Let us not forget more teams from Africa as well, will it be the first time an African country makes history??? There is plenty to unpack and discuss in the run up to the 2026 World Cup. Too early for me to call out a straight winner.

Written By:

Coach Kiev (Kieffer Esterhuizen)

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