World Cup 2026: Groups A-F Preview
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history, with 48 teams giving World Cup betting fans plenty to follow this summer.
December's draw means we’re a step closer to the tournament – and BetMGM UK has wasted no time reshaping the odds.
Could the World Cup winner come from the top half of the draw? With Brazil, Netherlands, and Germany in the mix, it’s certainly possible.
Betting on the World Cup group stage will be fast and frenetic, so let’s take a look at the teams competing in Groups A to F and the key matches to decide each group.
Group A
Group A World Cup odds are wide open, with hosts Mexico taking on South Korea, South Africa and a European nation (to be confirmed in March 2026). There will be no guaranteed wins in this group!
Mexico
Group Winner Odds: 23/20
Mexico host all three of their group games and are early favourites to win Group A. They won the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and are 80/1 pre-tournament outsiders to win the whole thing. Look out for Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano – two vastly experienced players who will look to get on the scoresheet.
UEFA Play Off Path D Winner
Group Winner Odds: 2/1
Teams it could be: Czechia, Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia
Europe will post a team into Group A, with Denmark seemingly the most likely from this playoff bracket. The Danes would likely be group favourites were they to make it to North America this summer, while Ireland will hope to relive 1994 if they make it this far.
South Korea
Group Winner Odds: 3/1
South Korea moonwalked through qualifying to reach the World Cup and will hope to go a step further than their last-16 exit in 2022.
Having arguably disappointed in losing a 2023 Asia Cup semi-final to Jordan, boss Hong Myung-bo took the reins and has his team well placed for success this summer. Son Heung-min is a dark horse to be the World Cup top scorer.
South Africa
Group Winner Odds: 20/1
The 2010 World Cup hosts are back in the big time 16 years later and start Group A as the rank outsiders. Their Africa Cup of Nations journey ended with defeat to Cameroon in the last-16 in January, after a steady knockout stage.
Lyle Foster was the standout star for South Africa at AFCON, and the Burnley striker could help Bafana Bafana to a point or two in Group A.
Key Match: Mexico vs South Korea
Mexico vs South Korea kicks off at 2am (UK time) on June 19, which isn’t exactly ideal for live World Cup betting. However, the pre-match odds will be competitive, here, as these sides should be evenly matched. Expect goals at the Estadio Akron, with the victor likely to progress to the last-32.
Group B
The Group B World Cup contenders feature Switzerland as favourites to finish top. However, hosts Canada will hope to cause an upset, especially after disappointing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer. Wales or Northern Ireland could enter this group, so there’s no guaranteed winner here.
Switzerland
Group Winner Odds: 5/4
Switzerland are understandably the top pick to win Group B in the World Cup odds, yet they could easily be unseated. A good run in World Cup qualifying had a few unnerving results, including a goalless draw away to Kosovo.
If the Swiss stumble in their opening game against Qatar then this could be a rocky ride. Granit Xhaka will hope to anchor the team after a strong Premier League campaign with Sunderland, while Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye will be tasked with getting the goals.
UEFA Play Off Path A Winner
Group Winner Odds: 6/4
Teams it could be: Wales, Bosnia, Italy, Northern Ireland
The Group B odds at this World Cup could flip instantly if Italy qualify via the UEFA play off. Italy’s recent World Cup record is woeful but most punters would back them to top this group, even if they’re off the boil.
Having Wales or Northern Ireland qualify for Group B would probably keep the Swiss as favourites, but could shorten Canada and Qatar’s odds.
Canada
Group Winner Odds: 3/1
Canada are stumbling into this World Cup with hope, rather than expectation, that they’ll cause a shock in Group B. Boss Jesse Marsch has overseen a relative upturn in performances, but recent friendly results (including goalless draws with Ecuador and Colombia) are worrying.
Canada have the benefit of playing all three group games in either Toronto or Vancouver, yet they lack significant firepower beyond Jonathan David.
Their group winner odds could change if they win their opening game vs a UEFA nation on June 12. They beat Wales in a friendly in September 2025, and could probably overturn Bosnia. However, Italy would likely be a stretch too far.
Qatar
Group Winner Odds: 20/1
Qatar lost all three games and scored just once during the group stage of their home World Cup in 2022. Fast-forward four years and they head to North America having won the AFC Asian Cup in 2023. That victory serves as a reminder to other teams not to overlook Qatar.
Yes, they are rank outsiders to win this group but third place may be enough to make the last-32. They'll need to steal a win over someone to have a chance, and Canada appear the most likely opponents to beat.
Qatar face their World Cup hosts on June 18. That game will probably decide their World Cup fate.
Key Match: Canada vs Switzerland
Canada vs Switzerland could be a battle for Group B supremacy this summer, or a scrap to decide who finishes second behind Italy. Either way, Canada will be underdogs in Vancouver but will seek to upset the odds for this 8pm (UK time) showdown on June 24. Stephen Eustáquio vs Granit Xhaka could get tasty in the middle.
Group C
Brazil are one of the big contenders in the Group C World Cup odds to win the whole thing – and this is their best shot in a generation.
Group C won’t be easy, with Scotland and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco also competing. But Carlo Ancelotti has the players at his disposal to win all three games.
Brazil
Group Winner Odds: 33/100
Brazil should, based on the odds, saunter through Group C with a 100% record. Yet they haven’t been perfect under Ancelotti since the Italian took over. Defeats to Bolivia and Japan last autumn sent alarm bells ringing.
There is nervous optimism that Brazil will come good and thrive in North America this summer. But those nerves won’t settle until they face Morocco on June 13 (11pm) in New Jersey.
Morocco
Group Winner Odds: 3/1
Morocco shone at the 2022 World Cup and came within a penalty kick of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Arguably they should have won their home tournament – it was set up for victory and Morocco dominated the entire competition, right until the moment Brahim Diaz’s ludicrous last-minute Panenka from the spot in the final turned their dream into a nightmare. Senegal went on to lift the trophy in farcical scenes in Rabat.
Can Morocco recover from this national heartbreak and turn heads again this summer? Second place in Group C is up for grabs and they will fancy their chances against Scotland and Haiti.
For all their exciting forward talent, Morocco is a team built on its defence, with Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saïss, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui and Adam Masina to choose from at the back.
Scotland
Group Winner Odds: 10/1
Can Scotland win Group C? Possibly, but it would likely require beating Haiti and Morocco, and getting at least a draw with Brazil. Given Scotland’s crazy qualification campaign, you can’t rule them out.
Boss Steve Clarke has a hungry, disciplined team at his disposal, with Napoli's Scott McTominay the machine in midfield. There's experience across the ranks in the form of Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes.
Indeed, this Scotland team is much better prepared for a major tournament than two summers ago, when they bombed at EURO 2024. They have a low-ball start vs Haiti to kick off their World Cup summer.
Haiti
Group Winner Odds: 50/1
Haiti are the joint-least likely team to win the 2026 World Cup, alongside Jordan and Curacao at 2500/1. They’re also rank outsiders to win Group C. But can they spring an upset in the live betting odds?
Possibly. Having beaten Costa Rica and Nicaragua in the autumn, Haiti will fancy their chances against Scotland and Morocco.
There’s plenty of European and North America club football running through this team, so don’t write Haiti off completely.
Key Match: Morocco vs Scotland
If we assume Brazil top Group C then the race for second place should be between Morocco and Scotland in Boston at 11pm on June 19. Scotland should already have three points on the board by then and a draw would likely be enough to make the last-32. It’s going to be a tense game.
Group D
Group D World Cup bettors may be left scratching their heads this summer, with all four teams capable of topping the group. This is good news for the United States, who could be the surprise package of 2026.
USA
Group Winner Odds: 5/4
The US Men’s National Team get their home World Cup underway against Paraguay this summer – they could end up being the story of the tournament.
With a relatively easy group and a good path to the quarter-finals, Team USA may shine like never before.
Maurico Pochettino is in charge and has a well-rounded roster of players. Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Cristian Roldan form the experienced backbone of the squad, with young talent coming through, too.
UEFA Play Off Path C Winner
Group Winner Odds: 2/1
Teams it could be: Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, Romania
Of all the UEFA play offs taking place in March 2026, this is arguably the weakest bracket. Whoever enters Group D of the World Cup is unlikely to threaten USA for top spot in the betting odds.
In fact, Paraguay and Australia will also fancy their chances against any of Slovakia, Turkey, Romania or Kosovo.
Paraguay
Group Winner Odds: 5/2
Paraguay are due a good World Cup after qualifying for their first tournament since 2010. Their rollercoaster qualification campaign included wins over Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, but defeats to Venezuela and Colombia.
A lack of significant firepower beyond Antonio Sanabria and Julio Enciso could cost the team at this World Cup, although there is hope youngsters Diego Leon and Diego Gomez can inject some spark into the side.
Australia
Group Winner Odds: 10/1 Australia are perhaps overpriced at 10/1 to win Group D, considering they made the knockout stage in 2022. However, recent results have caused some concern in the Aussie camp. Losses to USA, Venezuela and Colombia last autumn yielded just one goal, and ended a long winning streak under head coach Tony Popovic.
There's certainly talent in Australia's squad and punters should keep an eye on Watford's Nestory Irankunda – a youngster who may light up Group D.
Key Match: USA vs Paraguay
USA’s World Cup story rests on their first game vs Paraguay. Win this and they’ll be firm favorites to top Group D and secure a relatively easy last-32 opponent. The game at 2am on Saturday, June 13 in California should be a firecracker – and the odds suggest USA will take three points.
Group E
Another 2500/1 outsider to win the tournament is Curacao, who have an unenviable opening Group E World Cup fixture against Germany. The Germans should win this group but have flopped in their last two World Cups since winning it in 2014.
Germany
Group Winner Odds: 2/5
Given Germany’s recent World Cup record (2018 and 2022 group stage exits) their 2/5 odds to win Group E may feel a little slim. But Germany are justifiable group favourites, here, and are a far stronger outfit now than in 2022.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side can still suffer the odd blip (he’ll want to forget the 2-0 defeat in Slovakia last September) but Germany have enough to get through this group.
Keep an eye on Nick Woltemade, the Newcastle centre-forward who is a worthwhile outside bet to win the World Cup Golden Boot at 25/1.
Ecuador
Group Winner Odds: 11/4
If you’re looking for a team that will produce low-scoring games with few chances this World Cup, then Ecuador are worth considering.
They finished second in South America's World Cup qualifying table, and conceded just five goals in 18 games. They also produced eight 0-0 draws.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece and captain Enner Valencia have drilled this team in the art of defensive solidity. With Willian Pacho, Angelo Preciado and Moises Caicedo to call upon, Ecuador are hard to break down.
Ivory Coast
Group Winner Odds: 8/1
If we assume Ivory Coast beat Curacao in their last group game on June 25, Les Éléphants need just one additional point to all-but secure passage to the last-32. That could come against Ecuador (the odds on a 0-0 draw will probably be short!) or perhaps even Germany.
Ivory Coast lost to Egypt in the AFCON quarter-finals in January. Amad Diallo shone during the tournament, while Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand continued his progress with the national side.
With the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Franck Kessie, and (possibly) Nicolas Pepe in the squad, Ivory Coast could go far if they escape Group E.
Curacao
Group Winner Odds: 100/1
Curacao are expected to lose all three World Cup group games and will do well to score against the likes of Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
They laboured to two draws and a defeat in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup when up against Canada, Honduras and El Salvador. It’s hard to see where they even get a point from this summer.
Granted, they qualified directly for this World Cup and forward Gervane Kastaneer bagged five goals. But boss Dick Advocaat doesn’t have a strong team and bettors will most likely add Curacao defeats to their World Cup accumulators.
Key Match: Ecuador vs Germany
Ecuador could cause a real upset on June 25 when they face Germany in the last game of Group E in New Jersey. This is an opportunity to snag top spot by keeping the game tight and hitting the Germans on the break. Given Germany’s brittleness at recent World Cups, an Ecuador win/draw isn’t out of the question.
Group F
Group F at the 2026 World Cup could be the most vibrant and entertaining… which may cause a headache for bettors!
Netherlands are Group F World Cup favourites but Japan, another UEFA nation, and Tunisia will all fancy their chances here.
Netherlands
Group Winner Odds: 17/20
Netherlands are a solid outside bet to win the World Cup this summer, but they’ll have to battle through a tough group stage first. An upturn in results over the past 18 months means Ronald Koeman’s team is nicely prepared for the trip to North America.
Yet Japan and Tunisia may cause them problems, especially at the back where Koeman has, on occasion, got his defensive set-up wrong.
Their big test is the opening match of Group F against Japan in Arlington on June 14. Secure a win here and Netherlands should saunter into the last-32.
Japan
Group Winner Odds: 11/4
Japan could be another surprise package of this World Cup. They’re usually a good bet to reach the knockout stages and this year come into the tournament having beaten Brazil 3-2 in the autumn.
Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, Ao Tanaka and Daichi Kamada pack a midfield full of talent, while F.C. Copenhagen's Junnosuke Suzuki is a young defender to watch out for. If Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda can find the net early in the group stage, Japan's World Cup odds will sharply fall.
UEFA Play Off Path B Winner
Group Winner Odds: 11/4
Teams it could be: Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania
All four of these UEFA teams have the ability to shake things up in Group F. Poland and Sweden would likely challenge Netherlands for top spot, while Ukraine and Albania have squads capable of securing second place.
Tunisia
Group Winner Odds: 20/1
If you’re looking for drama at the World Cup this summer then Tunisia may well provide it. They enjoyed a flash-and-burn approach to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, which ended in a last-16 shootout defeat to Mali.
Elias Achouri is their standout forward threat, while Hannibal Mejbri, Ismael Gharbi and Sebastian Tounekti are young players looking to make their mark at this World Cup.
Betting on Tunisia could be really unpredictable this summer.
Key Match: Netherlands vs Japan
This is a mouthwatering World Cup fixture that kicks off at 11pm (UK time) on Sunday, June 14. It’s a must-win game for both nations, considering Sweden or Poland may also be in the group.
