2026 World Cup - Top European Team Betting

A European team is heavily odds-on to win the World Cup but which nation will go the furthest? Within this market, we’re going to be looking towards those most likely to win the World Cup as well as one lively outsider at a bigger price if one of the favourites falls short.

Will Spain and France dominate as expected? Can Thomas Tuchel get a tune out of his England squad? Or will Cristiano Ronaldo shine for one last time at his final World Cup?

Our resident tipster Nathan Joyes will be providing betting tips on the World Cup games and talks through the leading contenders and who can come out on top of this particular specials market.

Latest betting odds for the top European team at the World Cup

Top European Team Leading contenders

Spain (11/4) leads the market at a list of World Cup betting sites and as my outright World Cup pick, this should be another easy sell. The work Luis de la Fuente has done in order to turn Spain’s fortunes around and win the Euros was exceptional, and it’s clear why they are the favourites to win the tournament this summer.

If anything, Spain have gone from strength to strength after lifting that trophy two years ago, and punters may have forgotten simply how good they were during the Euros. Yes, there are more nations this summer, but none are better than what de la Fuente has at his disposal.

France (3/1) are my second pick behind Spain to win the World Cup. So, if you’re feeling brave, you can back both Spain and Didier Deschamps’ teams in this market and arguably receive two dead-heat payouts if they clash in the final.

Similar to Spain, France’s squad is stacked with quality from front to back - but also in reserve. Both nations have proven to be the best in the world over the last 18 months or so and it’s incredibly difficult to look past either failing to lift the trophy come July.

It’s difficult to get behind England (9/2) after Thomas Tuchel confirmed his 26-man squad. Plenty of exciting talent has been left behind, which includes Morgan Gibbs-White who has been exceptional for Nottingham Forest this season. Cole Palmer, who scored in the Euro 2024 final, has also been left at home.

A controversial squad dealing with the pressure to deliver after near misses at recent tournaments, in a warm climate, may not bode well and the Three Lions could be set for a disappointing summer. England must win the World Cup to likely land this market and at 9/2, it’s not a price to get behind.

Portugal (15/2) beat USA to nil and held Mexico in recent friendlies as they prepare for the World Cup. Their group looks a little tricky, with the likes of Colombia and DR Congo intriguing opponents, but if Portugal navigate their fixtures without too much difficulty, this could be a nation that will worry those at the top of the market.

Of course, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo at his last World Cup, but they are a team much more than their household name. Portugal did manage to beat Spain in the Nations League after penalties in 2025, and so they can’t be dismissed lightly.

Top European Team Betting Tips

Winner - Spain at 13/5 with Star Sports

What else can I say about Spain? Dominant at the Euros two years ago and made light work of their World Cup qualifying group, sticking six past Turkey as they finished with 21 goals and just two conceded from six matches.

They haven’t lost a football match inside 90 minutes since their 1-0 defeat against Colombia back in March 2024, a nation at the time who had themselves gone over 20 matches without defeat.

With Lamine Yamal expected to be back fit and firing in time for the World Cup, the 18-year-old’s presence alone will have other nations worried - never mind his technical ability.

Spain have shown no signs of weakness for quite some time now, and their preparation also reflects that. If they keep everyone fit, this trophy is theirs for the taking.

Outsiders - Portugal at 15/2

Away from banging the Spain and France drum, Portugal could provide some value for those looking for a bigger price to back. As mentioned, they are the only nation to have beaten Spain over the last two years. But away from that statistic, this is a squad filled with world class talent and players who arrive in form after successful domestic seasons.

PSG’s Vitinha, Sporting’s Trincao, Man United’s Bruno Fernandes, Man City’s Bernardo Silva, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao - the list goes on. Portugal have match winning talent across their front line - and with or without Ronaldo can be a real threat this summer.

Arguably, Ronaldo could be their biggest weakness in certain matches, but similar to Yamal, his presence on the pitch, at times, could prove to be invaluable.

Either way, Portugal’s 13/2 looks far more appealing than England’s 9/2, and they could give you a good run for your money if either Spain or France falter. We have a list of World Cup betting bonuses that could be used to back Portugal to be the top performing European team.

Bonuses to bet on the top European team at the World Cup