The group stage of World Cup 2026 has not yet reached its conclusion, but the tournament has already delivered enough drama, shocks and standout performances to keep fans glued to their screens across the globe.
With the expanded 48-team format creating more matches than ever before, the first two weeks have provided a fascinating mix of expected dominance from the traditional powerhouses and encouraging signs from several emerging contenders. France, Argentina and Spain have largely justified their status among the favourites, while nations such as Norway and Morocco have significantly enhanced their reputations.
As the knockout stage edges closer, attention is naturally turning towards the biggest question of all: who will be lifting the trophy on July 19?
The Tournament So Far
The opening phase of the competition has produced several compelling storylines. France have arguably been the most convincing side. Six goals in two matches and victories over Senegal and Iraq have underlined the depth of Didier Deschamps’ squad, while Kylian Mbappé has once again demonstrated why he remains the face of international football.
Argentina have looked equally assured. Lionel Scaloni’s side have won both of their opening matches without conceding a goal and continue to display the balance and control that carried them to glory four years ago.
England made perhaps the strongest opening statement of the tournament with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side were brought back down to earth by a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana, raising fresh questions about whether they can consistently break down organised opposition.
Spain remain unbeaten and continue to look one of the most technically gifted teams in the competition, while Portugal have quietly built momentum despite attracting less attention than some of their rivals.
Away from the favourites, Norway have emerged as one of the stories of the tournament. Erling Haaland’s side followed up a comfortable victory over Iraq with an impressive 3-2 win over Senegal, securing qualification and proving they are far more than a one-man team.
Morocco deserve similar praise. A draw against Brazil followed by victory over Scotland has reinforced the belief that their remarkable run to the semi-finals in Qatar was no fluke.
Five Teams That Can Win It
France
Coolbet’s favourites at 5.00, France have done little to suggest they are overpriced. The depth available to Deschamps is extraordinary. World-class players occupy virtually every position, and the squad possesses a blend of experience, athleticism and technical quality that few nations can match.
Most importantly, they still have Mbappé. In tournament football, having the best player on the pitch often proves decisive, and France can legitimately claim exactly that.
Spain
Spain’s odds of 6.50 reflect both their consistency and their ceiling. La Roja have controlled matches without necessarily producing their most explosive football, which is often a sign of a side conserving energy for the latter stages of a tournament.
The balance between youthful creativity and experienced leadership makes Spain a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
Argentina
At 7.50, Argentina may offer the most attractive value among the leading contenders. The defending champions continue to play with the confidence and composure of a team that knows exactly how to navigate tournament football. They rarely look rattled, they rarely concede opportunities, and they possess match-winners throughout the squad.
While Lionel Messi may no longer be the unstoppable force of his younger years, Argentina remain one of the most complete teams in the competition.
England
England sit fourth in the market at 8.00. The victory over Croatia showed exactly why many observers believe this could finally be England’s year. Harry Kane remains a reliable source of goals, Jude Bellingham continues to develop into one of the world’s elite midfielders and Tuchel has added greater tactical flexibility.
The challenge, as always, is consistency. England’s history is littered with promising starts followed by knockout-stage disappointment.
Portugal
Portugal at 10.00 may be slightly overlooked. Their squad is packed with technical quality and boasts enviable depth across every area of the pitch. If they can continue to build momentum during the final group matches, they have the talent required to reach the latter stages. Their ceiling is every bit as high as several nations currently priced ahead of them.
The Dark Horses
Norway
Norway’s price of 36.00 looks increasingly generous. The focus inevitably falls on Haaland, but Norway have demonstrated a collective strength that has often been missing from previous generations. They play with confidence, attack with purpose and already have two impressive results on the board. Few favourites would relish facing them in the knockout rounds.
Morocco
Priced at 41.00, Morocco may represent the most dangerous outsider in the entire tournament. The Atlas Lions have continued where they left off in Qatar. Defensively organised, physically imposing and capable of hurting opponents in transition, they possess exactly the qualities required to frustrate elite nations in knockout football. Having already taken points off Brazil, they have shown they fear nobody.
Colombia
Colombia have quietly gone about their business and remain unbeaten heading into the final group fixtures. At 41.00, they are another team capable of exceeding expectations. Their blend of experience and technical quality makes them an awkward opponent, particularly in one-off knockout matches.
Who Will Lift The Trophy?
Predicting a World Cup winner before the knockout stage begins is never straightforward. The expanded format means several contenders have yet to face truly elite opposition, and the draw will inevitably shape the path to the final.
However, if forced to make a prediction today, France remain the team to beat. They possess the deepest squad, arguably the best player in the tournament and a proven manager who knows exactly what is required to win major international competitions.
Argentina look the most likely challengers, while Spain, England and Portugal all appear capable of reaching the semi-finals. Norway and Morocco could yet spring a surprise, but over seven matches it remains difficult to look beyond the established heavyweights.
Oddsfactory Prediction
Winner: France
Runner-Up: Argentina
Dark Horse: Morocco
Best Value Bet: Norway (36.00)
The group stage still has plenty of twists and turns left to offer, but as things stand, France remain the nation most likely to leave North America as world champions.