World Cup 2026 Favorites: France Leads the Pack, but Argentina is Closing the Gap

With less than a year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, excitement is building as fans and bettors alike try to predict who will make it to the championship match. While it's still early days, one thing is certain - only two teams will stand at the end of the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held in the United States, with the final match set to take place at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The question on everyone's mind is which countries are most likely to make it all the way to the title game, and the latest odds at FanDuel Sportsbook offer some insight. France, the reigning champion, remains a strong favorite to reach the final, with odds of +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total). Argentina is hot on their heels, however, with their odds dropping from +370 to +260 over the past month.

Other notable favorites include Spain, with odds of +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total), England at +320 (bet $10 to win $42 total), and Portugal at +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total). But why have the odds shifted in recent weeks, and what does it mean for fans of each team? According to experts, a combination of factors has led to Argentina's surge in popularity, including their impressive start to the tournament, with two convincing wins over Algeria and Austria.

However, it's not all about the favorites. Long shot history shows that even those with less-favorable odds can still go on to make a significant impact in the tournament. Take Croatia, for example, who entered the 2018 World Cup at 30-1 odds but made it all the way to the final, where they ultimately fell to France. While it's still a long shot, Croatia is currently sitting at +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) to reach the final, offering a tantalizing prospect for fans of this underdog.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the tournament, one thing is for sure - the stakes will be high, and the competition will be fierce. As the world's top teams clash on the pitch, fans will be on the edge of their seats, hoping to witness history in the making. When the dust settles, only two teams will stand - but which ones will it be?

The road to glory is long and arduous, and only time will tell which teams will emerge victorious. But for now, the odds are clear: France is the favorite, Argentina is closing in, and the rest of the world is watching with bated breath. Who will reign supreme at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Only time will tell.