With the World Cup 2026 now less than three months away, attention is turning to Canada, Mexico and the USA where the Greatest Show on Earth kicks off on 11th June, when Mexico hosts South Africa.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe will pack the fans into the stadia and, while the World Cup 2026 news will draw the main headlines from action on the pitch, it is the men in the dugouts and stalking the technical areas who will be pulling the strings.
The life of an international manager is a curious one.
He is the man of the moment for a month or so, every two years, but during the domestic campaigns he takes a back seat, negotiating with, and cajoling the big name club managers to get a piece of their most highly prized stars every now and then. And not all club managers are helpful in that respect.
So why, and how do some top level managers make the switch from being a club manager to boss of the nation? It’s certainly a different challenge, maybe not as arduous in terms of day to day pressure, but it is one which can make you a national treasure or a pariah.
Let’s take a look at the SBOTOP pick of three head coaches who have made the transition, and gauge their chances of success this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti: Brazil
The biggest name manager at the summer showcase will be the great Carlo Ancelotti, the man who has arguably done more than any other head coach in modern times and now the head coach of the Selecao. Ancelotti has won the Champions League five times and is the only manager to lead a team into six Champions League finals. He is also the only manager to win domestic league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues.
Ancelotti’s most recent club team, Real Madrid, are trailing Barcelona in the La Liga title race and they look a less functional side than when the Italian boss was at the helm. In four years at the Santiago Bernabeu he led the team to two La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey triumph.
Real Madrid’s forward duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior and centre back Eder Militao will all be on the Selecao squad and they know how Ancelotti works…and how he delivers results. As well as being lauded for his tactical skills, evolved over his long career from the early days in Milan, but he is also known as one of the very best man managers in the game. He is much liked for his kindness and good humour as well as his calm approach to difficult situations and Ancelotti is the man who can get the best out of Vinicius Junior, who has not been a happy chap this season.
The very latest World Cup 2026 betting odds make Brazil the fifth favourites to lift the trophy in July. Holders Argentina are the highest rated South American nation but only by a whisker; and the Selecao has a football genius in their camp.
Julian Nagelsmann: Germany
Sixth favourites Germany have recovered from recent disappointments to become one of the fancied sides under Nagelsmann. They put up a good show at Euro 2024, beating Denmark in the Round of 16 before losing to eventual winners Spain, after extra time. As a young coach Nagelsmann made his name at TSG Hoffenheim, before moving on to manage Red Bull Leipzig, and he became known as a versatile thinker and a disciple of gegenpressing previously associated with Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund. When they lose possession his players do all they can to win back the ball rather than retreating into a low block.
German star Jamal Musiala plays for Bayern Munich
At Bayern Munich, where he won the 2022 Bundesliga title, Nagelsmann managed club legends Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry, as well as Jamal Musiala who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players on the planet. Still only 38 years of age Nagelsmann has the world at his feet and a great chance to increase his stock this summer in the States.
Thomas Tuchel: England
Another former Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel, is in charge of England, in the hope of winning the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. He won the Bundesliga title in 2023 and that after leading Paris Saint-Germain to two Ligue 1 triumphs, but his biggest club achievement came at Chelsea where he led the Blues to the 2021 Champions League title.
Wingback Reece James is Tuchel’s only England contact from his time at Stamford Bridge, but the latest World Cup odds rate the Three Lions as second favourites to win the 2026 showcase, and Tuchel clearly has a talented squad at his disposal. So far he has won nine and lost one of his ten games in charge, and the German born coach will do his very best to upset his compatriots in summer.
World Cup 2026: Poland Favoured to Deny Albania Their First Finals
Poland vs Albania
Poland and Albania will face off in Warsaw on Thursday evening, as they are among the European countries eager to secure their World Cup 2026 spots.
Both teams missed out during the UEFA qualifiers. Poland finished second in Group G, and Albania also did the same in Group K. They joined 14 other nations in the play-off draw and were placed in Path B alongside Ukraine and Sweden. The winner of this match will eventually take on the winner between Ukraine and Sweden for the final qualifying match on March 31.
Jan Urban’s side aims to qualify for its third consecutive World Cup and eighth overall. In stark contrast, Sylvinho’s men are gunning for their first after several previous attempts. It’s a survival of the fittest in the second round, and SBOTOP has you covered with today’s match preview.
Talking Points
Poland shouldn’t be over-reliant on Lewandowski
After falling out with former head coach Michal Probierz, Robert Lewandowski has returned to Poland under Jan Urban, and the Barcelona striker reminded us of his quality in the final third. Lewandowski has recorded three goals and three assists in his last four appearances, playing a key part in the White-Reds’ second-place finish in Group G behind the Netherlands.
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski shakes hands with head coach Jan Urban during their World Cup 2026 qualifier vs Netherlands
But despite his outstanding credentials, Poland cannot be over-reliant on Lewandowski, as he’s fast approaching his 40s. This season, Lewandowski has seen his role diminished at Barcelona. He has ceded penalty responsibilities to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, though he remains a key starter, having notched 11 goals so far this term.
The good news for Poland is that head coach Jan Urban has other reliable weapons. Karol Swiderski, Krzysztof Piątek, Sebastian Szymański, and Piotr Zieliński can certainly score with the best of them. Matty Cash can also score goals despite being a full-back, and Jakub Moder is a steadying presence in the middle of the park.
Nicola Zalewski is also available for Poland, but the Atalanta playmaker must serve his suspension against Albania due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This could open up minutes for 17-year-old Oskar Pietuszewski, who’s eager to make his national team debut.
Albania must keep it tight at the back
Albania are likely in for a long night, as Poland are expected to play on the front foot. During the Group K proceedings, Sylvinho’s side finished second, as they conceded only five goals in eight group stage matches.
The Red and Blacks have enough experience at the back, with co-captains Elseid Hysaj, Berat Djimsiti, and Ardian Ismalji leading the way. The Serie A trio have six goals and 211 caps combined, and they will be tasked with providing cover for goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, who is currently with AEK Athens after his Brentford stint. Furthermore, Kristjan Asllani will play a pivotal role in midfield, while Albania expect more goals from Armando Broja.
History
Thursday marks only the 16th meeting between Poland and Albania across all competitions. As expected, the White-Reds have a significant edge with 10 wins, whereas the Red and Blacks have only two wins and three draws.
One of Albania’s rare victories in this fixture came in their previous meeting during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. After losing 1-0 in their opening Group E match, Albania bounced back with a 2-0 win in September 2023. From there, Albania didn’t lose their next few group stage games, eventually taking the top spot in the group to qualify for the continental tournament. Meanwhile, Poland had to fight through the Nations League gauntlet to qualify after settling for third place.
As noted, Poland are regulars in the World Cup, last reaching the Round of 16 in 2022, while Albania have never qualified for the showpiece event.
As the article title indicates, the World Cup 2026 odds favour Poland to defeat Albania this Thursday, putting them one step closer to the showpiece event. The White-Reds are 1.60 favourites to advance, while the Red and Blacks are 5.40 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.41 in the 1X2 market.
With the collective firepower they have, Poland should put up new World Cup 2026 highlights in front of their home crowd. Besides our recommended bet, punters may also add Over 2.00 at 1.83, Over 2.25 at 2.14, and Total Goal 2-3 at 2.00 to the parlay. However, if you fancy an Albanian upset, then check out the Correct Score of 2-0 in their favour – the result of their last competitive meeting – given its whopping offer of 36.00 your bet.
After a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, neutrals may be racking their brains just how Sweden can still reach the States this summer.
And it’s a fair point.
For there is no logical reason why the Swedes should be in contention for a place at the biggest international show on earth after winning none of their six qualifiers (they actually lost four).
Their record in the Nations League, however, has given them a second chance.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, who actually fared far better in qualifying, finishing second in their group behind only France, now start again from scratch in this one-legged semi-final.
Talking Points
Putting fairness aside, the maths are simple. Whoever wins this tie – followed by a match-up against the winner of the semi-final between Poland and Albania – will take their place in America this summer in a group which comprises Holland, Japan and Tunisia (Poland will probably feel they deserve it after claiming 17 points in their qualifying group only to miss out on top spot).
While their qualifying record would suggest Sweden are lucky to still have a shot, perhaps fate is falling in their favour.
After all, home advantage in this tie has been wiped out because, with football not taking place in war-torn Ukraine, the match will be played in Valencia in Spain.
It’s also fair to say Ukraine don’t have a great track record when it comes to World Cup qualifying play-offs.
They have entered the play-off phase for five different World Cups (1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and been eliminated every single time.
By contrast, the Scandinavians have nothing to lose.
Graham Potter replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson as manager in October and, while his first two games resulted in a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and a 1-1 home draw with Slovenia, their position as one of the best-performing teams in the most recent Nations League means Premier League performers like Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga now have the chance to shine for their country.
Sweden coach Graham Potter extends his deal to 2030 as the nation targets World Cup qualification through play‑offs
Sweden didn’t qualify in 2022 but went all the way to the quarter-finals in Russia in 2018 where their journey was ended by England.
Growing up, they were at many of the World Cups I watched and, while they are now ranked 42nd in the world, 12 places below Ukraine, I think they could just edge this.
And if they can deliver World Cup qualifying 2026 highlights and win two games over the next week, what a turnaround it would be for discarded Premier League manager Potter.
One game at a time though.
History
I was surprised when I read that Sweden have only ever beaten Ukraine on one occasion.
That came in a 2011 friendly in Kharkiv when Tobias Hysen scored a 90th minute winner in what was the only goal of the contest.
All the other four meetings have gone the way of the eastern Europeans.
Their inaugural clash in June 2008 in Solna was decided by a Serhiy Nazarenko goal eight minutes from time, while Ukraine also got the better of the Swedes in early 2011 in a tournament in Cyprus, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Their only two major meetings, though, have come in European Championships.
At Euro 2012, the co-hosts made a dream start as a quickfire double from their captain, Andriy Shevchenko, earned a famous comeback victory in Kyiv.
They actually fell behind to a close-range finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the lead was short lived as two goals in seven minutes from Shevchenko won the day to mark their tournament debut in memorable fashion.
Ultimately, both nations narrowly missed out on qualifying in a group which comprised England and France.
Fast forward to Euro 2020 (played in 2021) and it was a last-16 tie at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
By now, Shevchenko was the man in charge but the outcome was the same as he saw his side score a 120th minute winner through Artem Dovbyk, just as the match seemed destined for penalties.
Earlier, Olexsandr Zinchenko and Emil Forsberg had traded first half goals.
Sweden had played the final 20 minutes of extra-time with 10 men.
Sweden are slight favourites, priced 1X2 @ 2.39 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.19, while Ukraine can be backed 1X2 @ 2.77 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.09.
The draw is on offer @ 3.09 and a repeat of their most recent meeting, albeit nearly five years ago, will pay out @ 10.50 with Correct Score 2-1.I am going to plump for there to be one goal between the sides and my ** tip is Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.97.
Denmark will host North Macedonia at the Parken Stadium on Thursday evening for the semi-finals of their World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifiers in Path D of the play-offs, and this is their last chance to make it to the big dance after they botched their first opportunity.
Brian Riemer’s men should’ve already qualified for the quadrennial tournament if it weren’t for Scotland’s resurgence in Group C. With three wins, two draws, and one loss, Denmark barely missed out on the top spot with 11 points, and here they are.
North Macedonia are also in the play-offs after finishing third in Group J with 13 points, and Goce Sedloski’s men have fond memories of play-off ties as they dream of their first-ever World Cup appearance.
While Denmark are the heavy favourites, North Macedonia have shown in the past that they’re not pushovers in the play-offs, making this a must-watch game.
Talking Points
Hojlund’s time to shine in Denmark
Denmark have quality oozing in their squad, as most of their stars play in Europe’s Top 5 leagues, including five in the Premier League and four in Serie A. North Macedonia’s backline will certainly have their eyes on Rasmus Hojlund, who figures to be the Danes’ main attacking threat this midweek.
After a rollercoaster season with Manchester United, Hojlund has found a new home at Napoli, where he’s the leading scorer with 10 league goals and two assists. The 23-year-old striker has also impressed in Denmark’s qualification run, registering five goals in as many games, a total higher than any other player in Group C. Backing Hojlund up are Gustav Isaksen, Jesper Lindstrom, Kasper Hogh, and William Osula.
Denmark are also strong in the middle of the park, with Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Christian Norgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Morten Hjulmand as their top options. Joachim Andersen, Alexander Bah, and Joakim Maehle are among those tasked with guarding the backline and providing cover for goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who has taken the No. 1 job at West Ham United this term.
North Macedonia tend to play on the back foot
North Macedonia manager Goce Sedloski poses with Football Federation president Masar Omeragić during a press conference in December 2025
North Macedonia’s defence will be busy trying to keep Denmark’s attack at bay this Thursday, which has been the case in the past few matches. Save for their embarrassing 7-1 loss to Wales last November, they have only conceded one goal in their past four matches.
This will be the first real test for Goce Sedloski, who was appointed head coach last January. Fortunately for him, he inherits a fairly decent squad, with Ezgjan Alioski, Stole Dimitrievski, Enis Bardhi, Eljif Elmas, and Bojan Miovski as his core players. Miovski has been the Lions’ good luck charm, as just one of his nine goal-scoring appearances ended in a loss (W6, D2). Meanwhile, Elmas certainly has a clue about how to slow Hojlund down, as they’re teammates in Napoli.
History
Thursday marks only the fourth competitive meeting between Denmark and North Macedonia, and their head-to-head is perfectly split with one win for each team and one draw. The Lions won 3-0 in their last encounter in an international friendly in 2013.
Denmark may have heightened belief that they can reach Tuesday’s final, as they’ve lost only one of their last 20 home games (W16, D3). The Danes have been involved in the play-off rounds twice before and progressed to the main tournament in both, most recently beating the Republic of Ireland 5-1 on aggregate in 2022.
North Macedonia have only reached the play-off round once before, eliminating Italy in 2022 before losing to Portugal in the final. Should they progress past Denmark, the Lions will face the winner of the other game between Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland.
The World Cup 2026 odds favour Denmark to dispatch North Macedonia this Thursday, putting them one step closer to the finals this summer. The Danes are 1.28 favourites to advance, while the Lions are massive 8.20 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.99 in the 1X2 market.
Denmark will be eager to create new World Cup 2026 highlights in front of their home crowd this midweek, and they should do that against North Macedonia. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors may also add Over 2.50 at 1.72, Over 2.75 at 1.94, and Total Goals 2-3 at 2.03 to the parlay. However, if you fancy an upset for North Macedonia, check out the Correct Score of 3-0 in their favour – the result of their last meeting – given its mouthwatering long-shot offer of 225.00.
Dembele’s Productive 2024-25 Campaign Could Win Him the Ballon d’Or
Bosnia and Herzegovina are heading to the World Cup2026 finals in just over two months time, after beating Italy on penalties, and that means the four times winners are out, for the third time in succession.
Denmark also went out on penalties to the Czech Republic while Sweden and Turkey also made it through. The stakes were high and the tension almost unbearable at times so let’s see how the action unfolded on an unforgettable night of international football.
Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 Italy (Bosnia Win on Penalties)
The World Cup 2026 betting odds have consistently rated the Azzurri as a top ten nation in the run up to the summer showcase and they swept Northern Ireland aside in the semi-final play-off, while Bosnia saw off Wales on penalties. And Italy took an early lead in this winner takes all clash when Moise Kean took a pass from Nicolo Barella and unleashed a long range howitzer into the top right corner.
Take a look at the night’s World Cup 2026 highlights; it’ll be worth it for that moment alone, especially for Italy fans.
But from then it was all Bosnia in a first half which saw the hosts take 13 shots to Italy’s two. And the Azzurri made it harder for themselves when Alessandro Bastoni fouled Amar Memic and copped for a red card before the half time break.
It looked like Italy would hold out, but eventually the Bosnia pressure told and, on 80 minutes Haris Tabakovic levelled from close range to take the game to extra time and on to penalties.
When Pio Esposito’s shot went high and Bosnia scored their first two the hosts were in the box seat, and when Bryan Cristante’s effort agonisingly crashed back off the bar the game was up.
Despite missing out on the last two World Cup finals Italy won the 2020 European Championships, but that is a distant memory now and the proud football nation is mourning yet another humiliation.
Czech Republic 2-2 Denmark (Czechs win on penalties)
The Danes battered North Macedonia to get this far while the Czechs needed penalties to get past the Republic of Ireland; but they scored the quickest goal of the night when Pavel Sule hit a sweet shot into the top right corner with just three minutes on the clock.
My SBOTOP colleague Jordan has asked Napoli star Rasmus Hojlund to shine in these high tension play-offs and he put a good shift in against North Macedonia and he drew a great save from Czech stopper Matej Kovar, but that was as close as he or Denmark came in the first half.
The Danes gradually upped their game and began to find holes in the Czech defence and they poured forward in search of a leveller, and eventually they got their reward when Mikkel Damsgaard swung over a cross and Joachim Anderson powered home his header to take this tie to extra time.
The momentum hadn’t shifted enough for Denmark and, when Vladimir Coufal crossed and Tomas Soucek’s header was blocked, Ladislav Krejci was on hand to slide the ball home. The Czechs strike and then the Danes strike back; this time Kasper Hogh heading in from an Anders Dreyer corner.
Penalties; and up stepped Hojlund to smash his effort against the crossbar and then Dreyer saw his penalty saved. The Czechs were well in control but Danish keeper Mads Hermansen kept his team in it, saving from Krejki. That was until Mathias Jensen walloped his shot too high to send the Czechs through and Denmark out.
Sweden 3-2 Poland
Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring against Poland
Viktor Gyokores scored a hat-trick as Sweden beat Ukraine 3-1 in the semi-finals, while Poland overcame a tricky opponent in Albania by the odd goal in three, and it was the Swedes who struck early at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, when Anthony Elanga took a pass from Yasin Ayari and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top left corner. Piotr Zielinski set up Nicola Zalewski for a deserved equaliser but, as the Poles pressed for the lead they were hit by a sucker punch, Gustav Lagerbielke heading Sweden into a 2-1 lead on the cusp of half time.
By half time Poland had registered nine shots to Sweden’s two and six of those were on target. But it wasn’t long into the second half before the visitors were level, this time Zalewski turning provider for Karol Swiderski to fire home. But it was Sweden’s night and, with two minutes of normal time remaining, it was that man Gyokores who fired home a rebound after Besfort Zaneli’s shot had hit the post.
Kosovo 0-1 Turkey
Turkey edged past Romania 1-0 to make this final, while Kosovo won a seven goal thriller against Slovakia; and this was the only tie to go into the break goalless, with only one shot on target in the first half, for the hosts. But it was a good one as Turkey keeper Ugurcan Cacir pulled off a sensational save to keep out a long range shot from Fisnik Asllani.
The Turks looked brighter at the start of the second half and they went deservedly ahead when Orkun Kokcu squared the ball and Kerem Akturkoglu converted from point blank range. Turkey went through with another 1-0 win and they did just about enough to deserve this huge victory.
World Cup 2026: The Long Wait Was Worth It for DR Congo and Iraq
The World Cup 2026 is all set, as DR Congo and Iraq booked the final two tickets in the quadrennial showpiece event in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Leopards and the Mesopotamian Lions earned their spots through the recently concluded inter-confederation play-offs.
DR Congo and Iraq received byes as seeded teams in the six-team mini-tournament, having waited for Jamaica and Bolivia to pass through. And earlier today, these four teams battled it out and gave it their all, and it was the Leopards and the Mesopotamian Lions who secured the desired World Cup 2026 results.
It has been a while since DR Congo and Iraq qualified for the World Cup finals, and the SBOTOP World Cup 2026 odds aren’t optimistic on their chances in the actual tournament. However, they’ll use it as motivation to try and shock the world.
Tuanzebe clinches history for DR Congo
DR Congo edged Jamaica in extra time to secure their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, when they were still known as Zaire, as an unlikely source scored the marginal goal in the 100th minute. Axel Tuanzebe has written his name into Congolese football history after he tipped the ball into the net during a late corner kick to send the Leopards through.
The Leopards were the aggressors from the get-go through Cedric Bakambu. The Real Betis forward twice had goals correctly ruled out for offside by the VAR during normal time, and DR Congo had to persevere to find the breakthrough, with Jamaica piling on the pressure.
The Reggae Boyz also had their chances, and they grew into the contest as the match went on. Kasey Palmer’s goal-bound effort forced a save from Chancel Mbemba on the half hour, and Leon Bailey’s left-foot rocket from distance flashed across the goal. But Tuanzebe’s strike, his first for his country, eventually put DR Congo ahead for good, and it could’ve been 2-0 if Edo Kayembe’s attempt during a counterattack didn’t fly over the goal.
The final whistle sent DR Congo fans at home into a frenzy, as they danced in the rain. After more than five decades, a new generation will have its shot at World Cup glory, aiming to banish the ghosts of their horrific outing in 1974.
Arnie Magic brings Iraq back to the finals
Iraq manager Graham Arnold gives directions during their World Cup 2026 play-off match against Bolivia at Monterrey Stadium
Graham Arnold guided Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986 after the Mesopotamian Lions won 2-1 against Bolivia earlier today. Arnold will become the first Australian to coach in back-to-back World Cups, let alone the first to coach a foreign nation in the quadrennial tournament.
Iraq started well, as Aimar Sher set the tone in the middle of the park. After the Sarpsborg 08 star drew a foul on Luis Haquin, Amir Al-Ammari fired a dipping free-kick that forced a cool save from Guillermo Viscarra. They eventually drew first blood in the 10th minute, as Ali Al-Hamadi rose to meet Al-Ammari’s corner with a powerful header.
With Iraq having the early lead, they played compact and were managing the game, but one lapse in concentration turned the match. Ramiro Vaca’s clever pass found an open Moises Paniagua, and the 18-year-old midfielder scored his second goal of the inter-confederation play-offs to tie the score before halftime.
The Mesopotamian Lions came out in the second half with intent, and skipper Aymen Hussein, their leading scorer in the qualifiers, got the job done. Hussein drilled the ball into the net after receiving Marko Farji’s cross from the right side to put his team ahead for good.
Like DR Congo, Iraq will hope to banish the painful memories of their last World Cup appearance, having lost all three group games in 1986.
The final groups of World Cup 2026
With DR Congo and Iraq taking the final two places, the 48-team field is all set this summer. The Top 2 seeds from Groups A to L will directly advance to the knockout stage, while eight third placers will join them, based on ranking.
Here are the final official groups:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The World Cup 2026 is now just two months away folks, and, here at SBOTOP, we will be all over the stats, the action and the very latest news right through the tournament.
And there’s plenty to talk about in the run up to the world showcase. The play-offs are done and dusted, and four times winners Italy have crashed out, to miss their third consecutive World Cup finals. Meanwhile, in the new 48 nation format, the likes of Cape Verde and Uzbekistan will be there…what must the Azzurri fans be thinking?
While the nation of Italy mourns, the other big guns of world football are at the fine-tuning stage, so, with 55 days to go let’s look at the most serious contenders. The early World Cup 2026 betting odds have picked out these five teams…with apologies to Portugal and Germany!
5 – Brazil
Five times winners Brazil must be a good bet to win their first World Cup since 2002. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, one of the best coaches the game has ever seen, the Selecao claims to have the most fanatical fans and some of the most exciting players. With Barcelona wing wizard Raphinha and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in the attack, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago, now 24, ripping it up in the Premier League there is a lot for Brazil fans to look forward to, and they have quality in defence too, with Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos marshalling the back four and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker as the last line.
But they have lacked consistency in qualifying; since the beginning of 2025 Brazil have won five, drawn two and lost three and they finished fifth in the CONMEBOL final table, behind 2022 champions Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.
4 – Argentina
Argentina’s Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez reassures fans with promising injury recovery ahead of World Cup 2026
Lionel Scaloni’s reigning champions will fancy their chances with the legendary Lionel Messi set to make some memorable World Cup 2026 highlights. The three times winners not only have the most famous player, they have a squad dripping with quality, Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez two of the best strikers in world football. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernadez is mellowing with age, now 25, and he has become one of the best playmakers in the game and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez will be forever remembered for his penalty shootout heroics in the 2022 final.
While Brazil laboured in the qualifiers, Argentina coasted through and they represent South America’s best prospects.
3 – England
As all England fans will know, the Three Lions have won the World Cup only once, way back in 1966, and that statistic alone makes Thomas Tuchel’s team hungry for success…but also vulnerable. Captained by Bayern Munich centre forward Harry Kane, who has already racked up 50 goals for the Bavarians this season, England will need to dig deep to cast off 60 years of hurt, but Tuchel is a determined operator, with incredible attention to detail and he will leave no stone unturned.
This could be a big tournament for England’s young guns who are yet to suffer the regular disappointments of their elders, and Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly is a man to watch, while his team-mate Phil Foden will be keen to prove he is still one of the best.
2 – France
Twice winners France, the last time in Russia in 2018 must still be hurting after they lost the last final on penalties to Argentina. Head coach Didier Deschamps has delivered great success for Les Bleus and he still has the appetite to win more silverware. As does Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe, who leads a glittering attack which includes Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and PSG star Ousmane Dembele.
With friendly victories over Brazil and Colombia in March, France have set down a marker for Europe and, if they meet Argentina they will have revenge at the forefront of their minds.
1 – Spain
So I believe there may be an all-European final, with Luis de le Fuente’s men the most likely champions. Spain have only won the World Cup once, in 2010, but they have since won the European championships twice. La Roja are unbeaten in 2025 and 2026, and they will take some stopping in the United States. With the best blend of youth and experience Spain will have the teen sensation Lamine Yamal and his Barcelona colleague Pedri, still only 23, wowing the fans; and proven winners such as Manchester City’s Rodri, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Chelsea’s mischief maker Marc Cucurella will all be ready to make their mark.
All five of these nations, plus one or two others, will all believe they can be world champions in three months’ time…but it’s La Roja for me.
World Cup 2026: The Rising Stars Who are Ready to Shine
The World Cup 2026 is set to showcase the very best talent in world football, and some of the legends of the past two decades will be lighting up our screens in June and July.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and Croatia’s Luka Modric have all been there, done that, and worn the t-shirt with over 60 seasons of top-class football between them. This will surely be the last World Cup for that terrific trio, and then we’ll welcome in the next generation of superstars.
There will be an array of young talent arriving in Canada, Mexico, and the USA in June, so let’s take a look at five of the up-and-coming world beaters who we expect to make a splash at the World Cup.
Lamine Yamal – Spain
Any list of top young players cannot ignore Barcelona’s 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal, who has already made a huge name for himself at the club and country level. He played a huge role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2024-25, and he has already reached 100 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 29 goals. Yamal also came second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The flying winger also became the youngest player to play and score for Spain, at 16 years of age, and he helped La Roja to their 2024 European Championship win.
The latest World Cup 2026 betting odds pitch them as tournament favourites and, if Spain does lift the title, you can bet Lamal will be one of the reasons why.
Arda Guler – Turkey
Real Madrid’s Turkish star Arda Guler, at 21 years of age, is one of the most exciting players in the Primera Division and, like Lamal, he is one of the El Clasico stars expected to shine at the World Cup.
Arda Güler scored twice before seeing red in Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich
Turkey had to negotiate a play-off to reach the finals, but don’t let that deceive you. The Crescent Stars, with the likes of Guler and Inter Milan ace Hakan Calhanoglu in their ranks, are sure to shine.
Nico O’Reilly – England
Another young player, alongside Yamal, who we featured in the SBOTOP ranking of likely World Cup winners, is Manchester City star, Nico O’Reilly. At 21 years of age, he has already become one of the Sky Blues’ most influential players and, able to play at left back or in midfield, he is a real asset to club and country. At 6’4”, O’Reilly is a powerful presence, scoring two headers, as City won the Carabao Cup final, beating Arsenal 2-0. And Manchester City are threatening to derail the Gunners’ title campaign too.
If they do, then O’Reilly will arrive at the World Cup with his confidence sky high, and that has to be good news for England fans.
Endrick – Brazil
An up-and-coming star we expect to be in amongst the World Cup 2026 highlights is Brazil’s striker Endrick, now at Lyon. The much admired 19-year-old signed for Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 after winning back-to-back titles in his homeland. In a side which boasts Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo in its attack, Endrick’s chances have been limited in Madrid, so a move to Lyon on loan in January was a smart move, as he looks to represent the Selecao in the summer.
He has already scored three goals in 14 appearances for Brazil. And while Endrick has plenty of time to realise his undoubted potential, this could be a big tournament for him, as the South American giants seek a sixth World Cup win.
Malik Tillman – USA
Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, at 23 years of age, is a player who will get the home fans in the USA out of their seats. Captained by Christian Pulisic, the Stars and Stripes are hopeful of putting on a good show, and Tillman is already one of their biggest stars.
A graduate of the Bayern Munich youth academy, he made his debut for the Bavarians in 2021 before making loan moves to Glasgow Rangers and PSV Eindhoven. He signed permanently for the Dutch side and won two league titles, scoring 21 goals in 54 appearances, and that performance earned him a move back to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Still a young player, Tillman has bags of experience, and he will win plenty of new fans this summer.
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18-Mar 2026 Wednesday
1:50 PM (61 days ago)
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