With the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage already completed and the second underway, the national teams that arrived in North America as clear favorites had to prove their worth on the pitch.
The tournament’s new format brought less traditional teams into the spotlight. Many fans expected easy victories from the giants in the first round, but the reality on the field was different. Spain, for example, which has always been feared for its strong performances on the pitch, ended up drawing 0-0 against Cape Verde.
Portugal is another example of a team full of talent in the top European leagues, and those who bet can see this favoritism reflected in the odds on BongoBongo Zambia, yet they didn’t manage more than a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
And we can’t forget to mention Brazil; the only five-time champion ended up stumbling in a tough 1-1 draw against Morocco. With this, the warning remains that the badge on the shirt alone doesn’t win matches.
1. Argentina
The current world champions arrived at the tournament with a target on their backs, but they didn’t let the pressure of the crown they carry get to them. Playing at the Kansas City Stadium, Argentina debuted on June 16 with a solid victory: 3-0 over a strong Algeria, in Group J.
Those who enjoy betting during the World Cup obviously love this predictability and consistency, and today, few teams on the planet offer that as naturally as La Albiceleste. The Argentine defense made it through the 90 minutes of their debut keeping a clean sheet, completely neutralizing the Africans’ attacks. Therefore, Argentina rightfully comes in as the absolute top bet to clinch their fourth title.
2. Germany
If there was any doubt in the football world about the German national team’s capacity for mental and tactical renewal after the disappointments of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, June 14, 2026, completely shattered all of them. Playing at the imposing Houston Stadium in Texas, Germany put the ball in the net 7 times, finishing the game with a 7-1 scoreline against Curaçao in Group E. Yes, the exact scoreline that will forever haunt Brazilians, this time victimizing the inexperienced, yet hardworking, Caribbean team.
With this impressive performance, Germany immediately jumped to the second spot on the favorites list. And rightfully so. Technical reasons justify the bettors’ hysteria. The new German generation seems to have reached its maturity at the exact right moment.
The message sent by Die Mannschaft was clear: they came to conquer their fifth championship. Of course, the solidity of their defensive system will still be tested against higher-caliber opponents, but the absurd volume of play they displayed undoubtedly puts the Germans right behind Argentina in the race to take the cup back to Berlin.
3. England
Rounding out our coveted Top 3, we have the England national team. The chant “It’s coming home” echoed with impressive force at the Dallas Stadium on June 17, when the Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2, in what is already considered one of the most exciting games of this first round, valid for Group L.
The reason, however, that England is a step below Germany and Argentina in the betting odds lies exactly in the two goals they conceded. The English defensive system sometimes showed chronic lapses in attention and positioning flaws. Still, their spectacular firepower made up for the scares at the back. Even so, bettors continue to believe in the English team’s potential, especially because football is full of surprises, and they have a great chance of lifting the trophy on July 19.
