2026 World Cup tournament preview & how to bet guide

Ladbrokes presents its 2026 World Cup preview and how to bet guide, with all the necessary information for those looking to find out more about next year's huge tournament.

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament is held across three nations. The competition will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring an expanded field of 48 nations, up from the traditional 32

• Opening Match: June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
• Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Matches will be played across 16 cities: 11 in the U.S., 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada

The expanded 48-team format will consist of:

• Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams each
• Advancement: Top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the Round of 32
• Total Matches: 104, up from 64 in previous tournaments
  

As of April 2025, the following nations have secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup:​

• Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
• Asia (AFC): Japan
• South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina

Note: The qualification process is ongoing, and more teams will secure their spots as regional qualifiers progress.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32. The allocation of spots per confederation is as follows:​

• UEFA (Europe): 16 spots
• CAF (Africa): 9 spots
• AFC (Asia): 8 spots
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 spots
• CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): 6 spots (including 3 for host nations)
• OFC (Oceania): 1 spot
• Intercontinental Play-offs: 2 spots​
  

Each confederation has its own qualification format, with matches scheduled throughout 2025 and early 2026.The final list of qualified teams will be confirmed by March 2026.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents.

• Lionel Messi (Argentina): At 38 by the time the tournament starts, Messi has expressed a desire to participate in his sixth World Cup, aiming to defend Argentina's title.
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Should Portugal qualify, Ronaldo could also feature in his sixth World Cup, matching Messi's record
  

The 2026 World Cup won't just be a showcase for the older generation of global football talent. Here are slightly younger stars likely to shine on the biggest stage:

• Kylian Mbappé (France): Already a household name and a World Cup winner in 2018, Mbappé remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the world. At 27 by the time of the tournament, he will be in his prime, aiming to lead France to another title.
• Jude Bellingham (England): The Real Madrid midfielder continues to impress with his maturity, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Bellingham is expected to be England's midfield maestro in 2026.
• Jamal Musiala (Germany): A dazzling attacking midfielder, Musiala has earned comparisons to some of Germany's greatest players. His close control and flair will be vital for Germany’s hopes.
• Alphonso Davies (Canada): A key figure for host nation Canada, Davies’ pace and versatility make him a constant threat down the left flank. The Bayern Munich star will be eager to make a mark on home soil.
• Santiago Giménez (Mexico): The AC Milan striker was in excellent form in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord before his move to AC Milan and is seen as the next big thing in Mexican football. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement could make him a breakout star in 2026.
• Giovanni Reyna (USA): A gifted attacking midfielder who plays for Borussia Dortmund, Reyna brings creativity and flair to the USMNT. At 23 during the World Cup, he'll be looking to cement his place as one of the leaders of a young and exciting American side.
• Takefusa Kubo (Japan): Nicknamed the "Japanese Messi," Kubo has grown into a key player for Real Sociedad in La Liga. His agility, vision, and dribbling make him one to watch as Japan looks to build on their strong 2022 showing.
  

The World Cup presents a plethora of betting opportunities, with multiple avenues for fans to get involved...

• Outright Winner: Bet on the team to win the tournament. Current favourites include Spain, England and France
• Top Goalscorer: Wager on the player who will score the most goals.
• Group Winners: Predict which team will top each group.
• Match Bets: Standard bets on individual match outcomes (win, lose, draw).
• Prop Bets: Specific events within a match, such as number of corners, cards, or specific player performances.
• Live Betting: Place bets in real-time as matches unfold, offering dynamic odds and opportunities
  

There are various ways for bettors to make money at next year's World Cup, so Ladbrokes runs you through some of the biggest and most important factors to consider when placing your bets.

• Research Team Form: Analyse recent performances in qualifiers and friendlies.
• Monitor Player Injuries: Key player absences can significantly impact outcomes.
• Consider Group Dynamics: Some groups may be more competitive, affecting advancement odds.
• Utilise Promotions: Take advantage of welcome bonuses, promotions and free bets offered by Ladbrokes.​
  

With the expanded format and increased number of matches, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts and bettors worldwide. Stay informed and bet responsibly to make the most of this historic tournament

View the latest football odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.