With the expanded 2026 World Cup format, the group stage looks more competitive than ever, creating plenty of talking points for fans and analysts alike, including those following the tournament through a leading sports betting app. While some groups have clear favourites, others are finely balanced and could hinge on fine margins. Here is a group-by-group look at who is most likely to finish top and why.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea, UEFA Play-off D winner
Group A is one of the more evenly matched groups in the tournament. Mexico, South Africa and Korea all bring different strengths, and any of the European playoff teams would be competitive additions. Mexico’s World Cup experience, combined with home-region familiarity and tournament know-how, gives them the edge. They’re built to navigate tight games and grind out results.
Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Play-off A winner
This group has intrigue, especially depending on which European side qualifies. Canada and Qatar are improving but remain inconsistent, while Switzerland are reliable, organised and tactically disciplined. Their experience in navigating group stages, plus their FIFA world ranking, makes them the safest bet to finish top.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil are the clear favourite here. They are the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament five times – most recently in 2002 – and reached at least the quarter-finals at every tournament since. Currently ranked fifth in the world, Brazil’s consistency, depth and experience at major tournaments puts them ahead of well-organised but less proven opposition.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off C winner
The United States have built momentum over recent international cycles, with strong performances in CONCACAF tournaments. Though they have only ever made it as far as the quarter-finals, they will be playing in familiar conditions with a settled core of players. Their form suggests they are well placed to edge a competitive group.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Germany’s international form has stabilised after a turbulent period, and they come into this group with something to prove. Since winning the World Cup in 2014, they’ve failed to get out of the group stage at every tournament – a run that’s raised questions about their consistency. However, they remain the highest-ranked team here and, on paper, still possess more depth and quality than their opponents. If they can translate that into performances, they’ll have enough to finish top.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off B winner
The Netherlands arrive in strong international form, having impressed at the European Championships with confident performances against top-level opposition. They’re now ranked seventh by FIFA, and their momentum, combined with their consistent record in major tournaments and tactical flexibility, gives them an edge in a group that includes several well-organised sides.
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
This group looks set to be decided between Belgium and Egypt. Belgium are still the favourite on paper, but their international performances have declined in recent years compared to their peak. Egypt, meanwhile, arrive with a strong squad featuring proven top-level players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Belgium’s experience may ultimately give them the edge, but this is likely to be one of the tighter group battles.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Spain enter this group as clear favourites and the number one ranked team in the tournament. Their recent European Championship win underlined their dominance at international level. Their squad is also full of top names in football, like Lamine Yamal and Pedri. Given that level of talent, anything other than Spain topping the group would be a major shock.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Inter-confederation Play-Off winner 2
France come into the tournament as one of the strongest sides in world football. They won the World Cup in 2018 and followed that up by reaching the final again in 2022, underlining their consistency at the very top level. With world-class players like Kylian Mbappe leading a squad full of depth and quality, France’s international form and tournament pedigree puts them top of this group.
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
As reigning world champions and the second-ranked team in the tournament, Argentina arrive with immense confidence. Their post-title international performances show a side that hasn’t dropped standards, continuing to win consistently and control matches. That experience carries them through this group.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Inter-confederation playoff winner 1
Portugal’s international form remains strong, with consistent qualification campaigns and competitive performances against elite opposition. Colombia are a real threat, but Portugal’s balance between control and attacking threat gives them the edge over the group stage.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England arrive in excellent international form, having gone unbeaten in qualification without conceding a single goal. Recent tournament performances show a side that’s more controlled, defensively solid and tactically flexible than in previous cycles. Against strong opponents in Croatia and Ghana, that consistency will be decisive.
