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The FIFA World Cup remains the most anticipated sporting event on the calendar. With the tournament fast approaching, the landscape for 2026 World Cup betting is already heating up as fans look to find value in the opening matches. Let’s analyze who we expect to win each of the 12 groups.
Group A
Co-host Mexico is the favorite to win Group A, and it is easy to see why. With all three group matches played on home soil—including two at the historic Estadio Azteca—few would bet against Mexico cruising into the Round of 32.
The Czech Republic enters in decent form, but it is a tall order for Miroslav Koubek’s side to take the top spot. Second place is their likely ceiling, though South Korea and South Africa will provide stern challenges.
Group A Winner Prediction: Mexico
Group B
Fellow co-host Canada is joined by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. The Swiss are favorites to win the group after qualifying from UEFA Group B without a single loss.
Canada is unbeaten in six matches leading up to the tournament, making a route to the Round of 32 likely. Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be hopeful of progressing, while Qatar is expected to struggle.
Group B Winner Prediction: Switzerland
Group C
While many expect Brazil to comfortably win Group C, we favor Morocco for the top spot. The Atlas Lions are in world-record-setting form. After their historic semifinal run in 2022, this side has the quality to replicate that magic.
Brazil remains a powerhouse name, but the squad lacks the clinical edge of previous generations. They should sweep aside Haiti and Scotland, but second place is the most likely outcome for the South Americans.
Group C Winner Prediction: Morocco
Group D
The United States rates its chances of progressing from a group featuring Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. With a roaring home crowd behind them, Mauricio Pochettino’s side should have enough to finish first in what will be a physical group.
Turkey is the primary challenger; the winner of that head-to-head matchup will likely secure the top seed.
Group D Winner Prediction: USA
Group E
Germany is the clear favorite here. The four-time winners failed to advance past the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, but they enter 2026 in excellent form. Curaçao is making its first World Cup appearance, but it will likely struggle against such elite opposition.
Ecuador and the Ivory Coast will battle for second place while Germany tops the table.
Group E Winner Prediction: Germany
Group F
The Netherlands enters the World Cup in strong form, looking to avenge its 2022 quarterfinal exit. However, we are backing Japan to win Group F. The 2025 EAFF E-1 champions have shown consistent improvement and tactical discipline. Sweden and Tunisia will likely miss out as Japan and the Netherlands progress.
Group F Winner Prediction: Japan
Group G
It is hard to look past Belgium. Egypt will provide a challenge, but the European side’s depth should prevail. It is difficult to see Iran or New Zealand taking points from the favorites, so the top spot comes down to the Belgium-Egypt clash. We are backing Rudi Garcia’s squad to lead the way.
Group G Winner Prediction: Belgium
Group H
Predicting Spain to win Group H is the soccer equivalent of saying the sky is blue. Uruguay will likely finish second, but Spain should win all three group games at a canter.
Group H Winner Prediction: Spain
Group I
Ranked No. 1 in the FIFA standings, France is the favorite, but Group I is deceptively difficult. Norway must be taken seriously; the Norwegians won all eight qualifying games and scored 37 goals, thanks to the clinical Erling Haaland.
Senegal will look to move past the recent AFCON controversy to reach the knockouts. France should win, but it won’t be easy.
Group I Winner Prediction: France
Group J
Defending champion Argentina should top Group J with ease. Austria is the most likely candidate to finish second and progress to the Round of 32, but the holders are in a league of their own.
Group J Winner Prediction: Argentina
Group K
Portugal qualified with ease and is expected to dominate Group K. However, keep an eye on Uzbekistan. Manager Fabio Cannavaro leads the nation into its first World Cup, and while they may not top the group, they are a favorite to claim second place.
Group K Winner Prediction: Portugal
Group L
England is among the tournament favorites and should top Group L. Croatia remains a tough opponent that will also fancy its chances at the top spot. While Ghana and Panama round out the group, they are unlikely to disrupt the European giants.
Group L Winner Prediction: England
Navigating the expanded World Cup groups
With 12 groups and an unprecedented 104 matches on the horizon, the path to the trophy has never been more complex. This expanded format makes every goal crucial for sports betting enthusiasts, as the race to become one of the top seeds in the Round of 32 begins this June.
