Spain and France lead World Cup betting odds as US draw heavy backing
Spain and France have emerged as the early bookmakers’ favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, while massive public backing for the co-host United States is creating significant financial liabilities for sportsbooks.
La Roja are the consensus marketplace frontrunners at +450, closely followed by the 2022 runners-up.
BetMGM reports that nearly half of all money wagered in the outright winner market is backing one of these two European powerhouses.
DraftKings sportsbook director Johnny Avello admitted his surprise at the relentless influx of money backing the continental giants.
“I didn’t realize that this would be a steady stream of money on these teams,” Avello told ESPN.
Public popularity heavily favours European giants
There is a notable drop in betting volume for the next tier of contenders, which includes England, defending champions Argentina, and five-time winners Brazil.
However, Portugal are bucking this trend, seeing significant action to become the third-most backed nation by money at DraftKings.
The Iberian side have seen their odds shorten considerably in recent weeks, moving from 10-1 down to +750 across several markets.
Historically, the pre-tournament favourites rarely lift the iconic trophy, achieving the feat just three times through West Germany in 1974, Brazil in 1994, and Spain in 2010.
US bettors gamble on home soil advantage
Despite facing long-shot odds of 60-1, the United States men’s national team is attracting immense domestic interest.
The North American outfit currently ranks as the eighth-most backed squad by total handle at DraftKings.
Bookmakers face a monumental payout if the Stars and Stripes manage an improbable deep run during their home tournament, though operators are embracing the patriotic enthusiasm.
“Now that we’re having games in our country, and in close proximity in Mexico and Canada, I think it makes that aspect even bigger,” Avello explained.
“We’re going to put them up at a fair price and we’re going to let the bettors bet them because we know that’s going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Haiti stands out as another major underdog attracting surprising action, entering the fray tied for the longest outright winner odds at 2,500-1.