World Cup 2026: Teams and Groups

Mexico

As co-hosts, Mexico are heavily fancied to turn home advantage into a deep run in the tournament. El Tri have been regulars in the last-16 in recent editions of the tournament, with that first quarter-final remaining elusive, something they’ll be hoping to overcome this summer. The team is coached by Javier Aguirre, who has returned for a third spell in charge of the side that is ageing but full of quality. The CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup winners, experts, and bookies expect them to qualify, rating them at 11/10 to make it out of the group.

• To Qualify From Group A:  2/15
• To Win Group A:  11/10
• To Win World Cup: 80/1

South Africa

South Africa arrives with momentum and a squad that mixes experience with a confident technical base. Under veteran coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana are organised yet fluid, often playing in a 4-3-3. Captain Ronwen Williams is one to watch in goals: he offers elite shot-stopping plus distribution that helps them play out. If they manage high-pressure ties against Mexico and South Korea well, they can trouble anyone in this section.

• To Qualify From Group A:  11/8
• To Win Group A:  12/1
• To Win World Cup: 1000/1

South Korea

South Korea are serial qualifiers and one of the most reliable World Cup teams qualified from Asia, with a modern squad shaped around Europe-based starters. AFC striker Son Heung-min remains the talisman and centre of their attacking play, supported by high-level defenders and midfield technicians such as Kim Min-jae and PSG’s Lee Kang-in.

• To Qualify From Group A:  1/2
• To Win Group A:  4/1
• To Win World Cup: 500/1

UEFA Play-Off Winner (Denmark/Czech Republic/North Macedonia/Republic of Ireland)

The final Group A spot comes through UEFA play-offs, which makes this the hardest team to price until the bracket resolves. Each is a good prospect for the group. Denmark usually brings strong organisation and tournament experience; the Czech Republic can be awkward and physical; North Macedonia tend to live on disruptive, transition-heavy football; and the Republic of Ireland’s best version is intense, direct, and riding a wave after a dramatic win against Hungary in the final group games.

Whoever emerges will likely target points in tight, low-margin games.

• To Qualify From Group A: TBC
• To Win Group A: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

Canada

Canada returns for back-to-back finals as co-hosts, and this is widely viewed as their strongest squad yet. Under Jesse Marsch, they lean into an intense, Red Bull-inspired identity: a direct 4-4-2, quick transitions and wide speed designed to punish teams that overcommit. Alphonso Davies is the headline name, while Juventus striker Jonathan David gives them a genuine elite finisher for tournament football.

For a side featuring many European star names and a great coach with a clear identity, 250/1 to win the tournament seems like a wager those looking for a dark horse might examine.

• To Qualify From Group B:  4/11
• To Win Group B:  13/2
• To Win World Cup: 250/1

Switzerland

Switzerland arrives as one of Europe’s most reliable World Cup 2026 teams, qualifying unbeaten and rarely giving opponents cheap chances. Murat Yakin tends to set his side up for control and flexibility, shifting between a back three and a more conventional 4-3-3 depending on the opponent.

Granit Xhaka remains the midfield organiser and tone-setter, with Ricardo Rodriguez still a steady presence at the back.

• To Qualify From Group B:  1/8
• To Win Group B:  5/4
• To Win World Cup: 250/1

Qatar

Qatar booked their place with a strong qualifying campaign and arrived under Julen Lopetegui with a clear emphasis on organisation and off-ball work. The squad is drawn entirely from the domestic league, which can help cohesion but raises questions about exposure to elite weekly competition.

Lopetegui has used 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 with a pragmatic game plan built around staying compact and taking moments when they arrive. The 2019 & 2023 Asian Cup champions are priced at 14/5 to make it out of the group.

• To Qualify From Group B:  14/5
• To Win Group B:  25/1
• To Win World Cup: 1000/1

UEFA Play-Off Winner (Italy/Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina/Northern Ireland)

This is the big wildcard: a potential historic power in Italy sits alongside a highly competitive Wales, a dangerous Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a Northern Ireland side capable of dragging matches into tight margins.

Whoever comes through will arrive battle-tested, and the identity will dictate how to price Group B. Italy would instantly become a favourite on name and depth; Wales brings intensity and set-piece threat; Bosnia can upset stronger sides; and Northern Ireland could surprise a few if they make it.

• To Qualify From Group B: TBC
• To Win Group B: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

Brazil

Brazil qualified with less comfort than usual, but their ceiling remains as high as any of the World Cup 2026 teams. Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival has brought calm after a turbulent cycle, and the likely base is a fluid 4-2-3-1 built around elite attackers and smarter midfield protection.

Vinícius Júnior is the key variable: if he translates club form into international output, Brazil’s attack becomes frightening. The side is priced unusually high at 17/2 to win the tournament, which would be their sixth win.

• To Qualify From Group C:  1/1000
• To Win Group C:  1/6
• To Win World Cup: 17/2

Morocco

Morocco arrives as one of the best-drilled Teams at the World Cup, qualifying with a perfect record and carrying the confidence of their historic 2022 run. Walid Regragui sets them up in a 4-3-3 that can morph between high pressing and a compact block, with rapid wide attacks supported by Achraf Hakimi. They have quality across the spine and can hurt teams in multiple ways. Brahim Díaz, as his AFCON performances showed, can offer a threat between the lines.

The team will be riding high after being retrospectively awarded the AFCON title via a controversial judgement against Senegal, arriving in North America with a point to prove on the world stage.

• To Qualify From Group C:  1/11
• To Win Group C:  6/1
• To Win World Cup: 150/1

Haiti

Haiti is one of the most intriguing long shots among the World Cup teams qualified, returning for only their second appearance after topping a tough Concacaf group ahead of Costa Rica and Honduras.

Sébastien Migné has them comfortable defending deep, staying compact, and springing forward in transition. That style can frustrate bigger nations, especially if they grow impatient. Goalkeeper Johny Placide is the standout, with a track record of big-tournament performances and recent clean sheets in qualifying.

• To Qualify From Group C:  17/2
• To Win Group C:  100/1
• To Win World Cup: 5000/1

Scotland

Scotland is back at the finals after a dramatic qualification story, and the goal is simple: reach the knockouts for the first time. Steve Clarke has built a resilient, close-knit group and toggles between a back five for stability and a back four when they need more control and width.

Napoli’s Scott McTominay is the talisman, with added pace from Ben Doak helping their transition game. Bookies have valued them at 4/11 to qualify, given they’ll likely only need to take points from two games.

• To Qualify From Group C: 4/11 
• To Win Group C:  12/1
• To Win World Cup: 250/1

USA

The USMNT is looking to make an impression this summer and made a statement of intent by hiring former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino. After a shaky start, his style of play has begun to stick, with the team settling into a three-centre-back system that can shift into a back four or five depending on the opponent.

The wing-backs are key to making the whole system work – Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest provide width and overloads and could be stars – while Tyler Adams provides a stable anchor at the base of midfield. Christian Pulisic is the star turn, whether from the wing or as a No. 10.

• To Qualify From Group D: 1/8
• To Win Group D:  5/4
• To Win World Cup: 80/1

Paraguay

Gustavo Alfaro has built a typical Paraguayan side – hard to break down, seemingly enjoying defending, and built for low-margin tournament football. Paraguay doesn’t have a litany of star names, but they’re one of the tournament’s most organised defensive units, anchored by Gustavo Gomez and the aerially dominant Omar Alderete.

Attackers like Ramon Sosa and Julio Enciso are capable of bursts of creativity that could unsettle a team built around breaking teams down slowly.

• To Qualify From Group D: 4/11
• To Win Group D: 3/1
• To Win World Cup: 250/1

Denmark

The Socceroos return to the World Cup with less star power than recent editions, but with plenty of streetwise under Head Coach Tony Popovic. The former Crystal Palace player-turned-manager secured the job after winning the AFC Champions League with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Popovic settled on a 3-4-2-1 that drops into 5-4-1 when out of possession with a low block, prioritising shape and counter-attacks. Australia’s history shows that they can scrap their way into the knockout stages, but they’re a classic “win ugly” side – so check out the qualification markets for the Aussies.

• To Qualify From Group D:  7/5
• To Win Group D:  13/2
• To Win World Cup: 500/1

UEFA Play-Off Winner (Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo)

This is the biggest challenge for betting markets in this group. Turkey would arrive with the most explosive talent base and should carry genuine qualification expectations, while Slovakia is typically well-organised and hard to beat.

Romania’s recent performance suggests they’d have the lowest ceiling but potential stubbornness, and Kosovo offers a romantic underdog story but faces the steepest step up in the playoffs.

• To Qualify From Group D: TBC
• To Win Group D: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

Germany

Germany reached the finals without needing play-offs, but the route was bumpier than expected, and the margins feel thinner than in their peak eras. Julian Nagelsmann’s side press high and play fast, vertical football through two elite creative players: Bayern’s Jamal Musiala and Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, with full-backs stepping inside to overload midfield.

The big question is the No. 9 role, with different profiles changing the shape behind them, while Musiala’s fitness level is a key storyline.

• To Qualify From Group E: 1/1000
• To Win Group E: 2/7
• To Win World Cup: 14/1

Ecuador

Ecuador was one of the standout performers in qualifying, finishing second in South America on the back of defensive excellence and ruthless game management. Their core is built to defend with PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié, protected by Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo’s range and ball-winning in midfield. Former Racing Club manager Sebastián Beccacece’s team rarely gives away cheap chances, but the trade-off is limited cutting edge – a lot rides on Enner Valencia converting the few high-quality looks they create.

• To Qualify From Group E: 1/16
• To Win Group E: 4/1
• To Win World Cup: 100/1

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire arrives with real momentum, qualifying unbeaten without conceding and scoring freely, which hints at a team with both control and punch. Emerse Faé has a set style that often uses a 4-3-3 with threats coming from multiple sources rather than one focal scorer.

Franck Kessié is the midfield pivot, bringing leadership and balance, while the emergence of winger Yan Diomande adds high-upside pace and directness in wide areas.

• To Qualify From Group E: 1/8
• To Win Group E: 7/1
• To Win World Cup: 400/1

Curacao

Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to reach a men’s World Cup and one of the more fascinating World Cup teams qualified – they were brought to the tournament by former Sunderland and Utrecht coach Dick Advocaat, but the 78-year-old resigned to look after his daughter, just three months before the tournament.

Fred Rutten rules the roost now, but the cornerstones of the side will likely remain the same: a 4-3-3, trying to build from the back and control rhythm, with Leandro Bacuna as the technical leader in midfield.

• To Qualify From Group E: 14/1
• To Win Group E: 100/1
• To Win World Cup: 5000/1

Netherlands

The Netherlands qualified unbeaten and arrives with a squad that is strong across the pitch, with a squad beginning to exhibit some of the superstars of previous iterations of the Clockwork Orange.

Former Southampton, Barcelona, and Everton boss Ronald Koeman has organised a side that uses width to create space for midfielders to crash the box with third-man runs.

• To Qualify From Group F: 1/11
• To Win Group F: 8/11
• To Win World Cup: 25/1

Japan

Japan was the first nation to book its place and has looked a step above most Asian qualifiers in both structure and intensity.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side plays fast and rotates between 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-4-3, with relentless pressing and sharp combination play creating one-v-one chances for their wide threats. In tougher match-ups, their transitional game is a real weapon. The key piece is captain Wataru Endo, whose duel-winning and coverage let the front line press aggressively.

• To Qualify From Group F: 4/11
• To Win Group F: 7/2
• To Win World Cup: 100/1

Tunisia

Tunisia cruised through CAF qualifying with an outstanding defensive record, qualifying without conceding a single goal. Under Sami Trabelsi, they are not as one-dimensional as some previous iterations – the spread of scorers suggests more variety – but the defensive platform is still the base.

Midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane is the standout, bringing balance, ball security, and late runs into the box. During the tournament, their defensive prowess means they’re heavily favoured for low-scoring games, so check out the price on win-to-nil.

• To Qualify From Group F: 21/20
• To Win Group F: 13/2
• To Win World Cup: 500/1

UEFA Play-Off Winner (Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania)

This fourth slot will shape the entire group’s pricing. Sweden would arrive with significant firepower and a new manager bounce under Graham Potter, while Ukraine are typically well-organised and dangerous in big moments. Poland have a reliable elite finisher in Robert Lewandowski, and Albania can be fearless and hard to predict.

• To Qualify From Group F: TBC
• To Win Group F: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

Belgium

Belgium qualified unbeaten, but the side is undoubtedly in transition with a new coach, a refreshed back line, and a tactical reset after the 2022 group-stage failure. Former Roma coach Rudi Garcia has largely stuck to a 4-3-3 with a press-and-possess emphasis that has been familiar under Roberto Martinez’s tenure in charge, but was largely abandoned when Dominico Tedesco became boss. Jeremy Doku is emerging as the primary threat thanks to his one-v-one ability and end product, while Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity remains decisive if fit.

• To Qualify From Group G: 1/50
• To Win Group G: 1/8
• To Win World Cup: 50/1

Egypt

Egypt qualified unbeaten from CAF, confirming their place with a controlled campaign built on structure and efficiency rather than chaos. Under Hossam Hassan, they typically use a 4-3-3 that funnels attacking play into wide areas, with Mohamed Salah given freedom to roam and create while Omar Marmoush provides direct running from the other flank. The platform is a disciplined defence, and the midfield roles are shaped to complement Salah’s movement.

• To Qualify From Group G: 2/7
• To Win Group G: 4/1
• To Win World Cup: 300/1

Iran

Iran came through AFC qualifying with a few bumps, but observers of the side in recent years won’t be shocked at what they find – a compact, conservative, and difficult side to play against. Amir Ghalenoei’s side typically prioritises defensive security over expansive football, relying on experienced attackers to take moments when they appear rather than sustaining pressure for long spells.

Mehdi Taremi remains the biggest threat, while Sardar Azmoun and a small pool of younger options add depth.

• To Qualify From Group G: 1/2
• To Win Group G: 8/1
• To Win World Cup: 750/1

New Zealand

New Zealand, of course, qualified comfortably through Oceania, and they arrive with a clear, simple tournament narrative: competitive organisation and a proven goalscorer. Darren Bazeley has tried to evolve the All Whites into a more possession-oriented 4-2-3-1, building play rather than defaulting to direct balls into Chris Wood. The side isn’t expected to progress from a group that might offer some tight and cagey games – they’re priced at 7/4 to qualify, making them outsiders.

• To Qualify From Group G: 7/4
• To Win Group G: 15/1
• To Win World Cup: 1500/1

Spain

Spain qualified in cruise control, dropping only two points and barely conceding, despite a few struggles. Luis de la Fuente has kept Spain’s trademark Tiki Taka style, but as many saw in the European Championships, Spain 2.0 plays with more vertical intent: quick progression into wide areas, collective counter-pressing, and a consistent ability to score multiple goals.

You won’t find much value in Spain to win the group, but at around 20/1, Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Boot might be worth looking at.

• To Qualify From Group H: 1/400
• To Win Group H: 1/5
• To Win World Cup: 9/2

Uruguay

There’s a real sense that Uruguay could be the neutral’s favourite at this tournament, and come to North America with quiet confidence, qualifying with statement wins over Argentina and Brazil and playing with verve and style.

Bielsa’s approach is well known to many – aggressive duels, man-to-man pressure, relentless running, and fast support around the front line when they win it back. The squad suits the style, too, with Federico Valverde being perhaps the perfect Bielsa midfielder – an engine with real end product and tactical flexibility.

• To Qualify From Group H: 1/11
• To Win Group H: 4/1
• To Win World Cup: 80/1

Saudi Arabia

Anyone who has watched any AFCON in the last two decades will know all about Herve Renard: a serial winner who set up perfectly for tournament football. He’s taking another crack at the World Cup with Saudi Arabia, who reached the finals via a complicated route, but they arrive with tournament experience and a coach who knows exactly how to set them up.

Renard’s side is typically a 4-3-3 built on defensive stability, direct build-up, and wide isolation.

• To Qualify From Group H: 5/6
• To Win Group H: 16/1
• To Win World Cup: 1000/1

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is one of the most interesting World Cup teams qualified, with a first appearance, a squad bolstered by diaspora recruitment, and a coach in Bubista who has built belief and togetherness in a team that has traditionally struggled to make an impact. They play a functional but effective 4-2-3-1 with a fast, direct attacking line that rotates positions, width from full-backs, and an experienced central pairing in Shamrock Rovers’ Roberto “Pico” Lopes and Diney Borges.

Captain Vozinha provides leadership from the back, while striker Dailon Livramento is the danger man after scoring landmark qualifying goals.

• To Qualify From Group H: 5/2
• To Win Group H: 50/1
• To Win World Cup: 2000/1

France

France qualified with minimal fuss and, as ever, their depth is mind-boggling. There are match-winners across the forward line and elite options in central defence and midfield, and a team of players who don’t make it on the plane could easily make a deep run into the tournament. Didier Deschamps continues to favour a conservative 4-2-3-1 with Michael Olise operating behind Kylian Mbappé.

Expect fireworks, expect creativity, and expect whoever progresses from the playoff route to have a tough time.

• To Qualify From Group I: 1/150
• To Win Group I: 4/9
• To Win World Cup: 8/1

Norway

There is a quiet authority about Norway, and while many wouldn’t pay too much attention to the Scandinavians, there is quality across this side.

The side won every qualifier and scored freely, including in two emphatic wins over Italy. Ståle Solbakken has simplified the plan to maximise the strengths of his stars: Erling Haaland as the poacher Premier League fans will be familiar with and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating from an inside-right role, supported by dribblers like Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb.

• To Qualify From Group I: 2/17
• To Win Group I: 11/4
• To Win World Cup: 150/1

Senegal

Senegal qualified unbeaten and continues to look like one of the most complete sides in Africa: athletic, tactically flexible, and strong through the middle. Pape Thiaw switches between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, with a front line that can rotate and stretch defences – Sadio Mané remains the key man and showed his emotional pull in the nation’s recent controversially reversed AFCON triumph, but he is flanked by Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye – two great creative threats.

The engine room is the real strength, with Pape Matar Sarr providing late runs and Kalidou Koulibaly organising the back line in front of Edouard Mendy.

• To Qualify From Group I: 2/5
• To Win Group I: 7/1
• To Win World Cup: 150/1

FIFA Qualifier (Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname)

Poor FIFA Play-Off Qualifier 2. This really does seem like a hospital pass to win – hurtled into a group with the European Champions, the African Champions, and an incredibly solid Norway side. The three teams in the pathway are interesting, nonetheless.

Suriname brings a good squad and a progressive coach in Stanley Menzo, Bolivia’s experience is solid, but their away performances can collapse without altitude advantage, and Iraq arrive with growing cohesion under Graham Arnold and a quiet confidence.

• To Qualify From Group I: TBC
• To Win Group I: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

Argentina

Argentina qualified comfortably at the top of South America and remains one of the most complete World Cup 2026 teams. Lionel Scaloni typically builds around a strong back four and a dominant central midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández key to the team’s rhythm and intensity.

In goal, Emiliano Martínez provides a reliable last line of defence and won the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup. When Messi plays, Argentina can slow the game and funnel attacks through him; without him, they become more fluid and direct. Messi is still the headline, but keep an eye on the next wave, including Franco Mastantuono and Thiago Almada.

• To Qualify From Group J: 1/250
• To Win Group J: 1/50
• To Win World Cup: 17/2

Austria

Austria is back at a World Cup after a long absence, and Rangnick has brought the Red Bull mentality to the national stage with a high press, high intensity, and quick vertical transitions. Those who enjoy betting on the English Premier League may recognise a few names, with Carney Chukwuemeka (formerly Chelsea/Aston Villa), Kevin Danso (Southampton/Spurs), and Saša Kalajdžić (Wolverhampton Wanderers) all vying for game time.

They can play through teams with midfield runners and sharp combinations, and they’re comfortable turning matches into chaotic, physical contests. Don’t bet against Rangnick’s side to make a deeper run in the tournament.

• To Qualify From Group J: 2/9
• To Win Group J: 5/1
• To Win World Cup: 200/1

Algeria

Algeria returns for a fifth finals appearance under wily Swiss coach Vladimir Petković. They operate in a 4-3-3 with Riyad Mahrez still the talisman on the right and Mohamed Amoura providing pace, penetration, and goals.

Petković’s influence has made them more open and entertaining than some previous Algerian sides, and finding out whether that risk will be rewarded will be fascinating.

• To Qualify From Group J: 2/5
• To Win Group J: 11/4
• To Win World Cup: 400/1

Korea Republic

Jordan is a debutant among the teams at the World Cup, and their qualification was built on organisation, work rate, and transition threat, making them a threat to the three other teams in their group.

Jamal Sellami’s side is pragmatic, operating in a 3-4-3, absorbing pressure and breaking quickly – exactly the kind of style that can frustrate opponents who expect a straightforward game. Musa Al-Taamari is the key: a quick, creative No. 10 who drives counters and combines with runners like Yazan Al-Naimat.

• To Qualify From Group J: 5/1
• To Win Group J: 150/1
• To Win World Cup: 2500/1

Portugal

Portugal qualified without real jeopardy and arrives as one of the most talented World Cup 2026 teams in terms of depth and technical quality. Roberto Martínez doesn’t want his side to be pigeon-holed into a single system, using a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 3-4-2-1, with attack-minded full-backs like Nuno Mendes and creative midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, making this side tick.

The big storyline is Ronaldo: still prolific, still the focal point, but his role can change how fluid Portugal looks.

• To Qualify From Group K: 1/66
• To Win Group K: 2/5
• To Win World Cup: 16/1

Colombia

Colombia returns to the finals after a turbulent but ultimately successful qualifying campaign, and they arrive with a squad that blends flair with solid structure. Néstor Lorenzo often uses a 4-2-3-1 with attacking full-backs and multiple creators, allowing Colombia to control possession or sit in a mid-block and break quickly.

Luis Díaz is the star and primary match-winner, while James Rodríguez remains the heartbeat and big-game organiser, with Juan Fernando Quintero a wildcard when introduced.

• To Qualify From Group K: 1/8
• To Win Group K: 5/2
• To Win World Cup: 250/1

Uzbekistan

Fabio Cannavaro back at a World Cup is a wonderful thing. To see him back as Uzbekistan manager will be strange to some, but the side booked their place early and did so by being hard to beat, so expect a classically Italian conservative approach designed to frustrate, boosted by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Elsewhere, Eldor Shomurodov offers experience and presence up top, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev adds creative spark.

• To Qualify From Group K: 7/4
• To Win Group K: 33/1
• To Win World Cup: 2000/1

FIFA Play-Off Qualifier (DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia)

Another wildcard slot. Of the three sides in this pathway, DR Congo looks the most dangerous option: athletic, improving, and already battle-tested by navigating strong African opposition to reach the playoffs. Jamaica has individuals like Leon Bailey, but has plenty of question marks, while OFC-qualifier New Caledonia are the clear outsider.

• To Qualify From Group K: TBC
• To Win Group K: TBC
• To Win World Cup: TBC

England

England qualified at a canter, winning every match without conceding, and Tuchel’s job is clear – end 60 years of tournament hurt. His England team is aiming for a more dynamic, physical style – quick regains and fast progression – built around elite creators like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers.

The key is Harry Kane, still the centre of gravity as both finisher and link player, with the younger cohort all competing to operate behind him. England’s depth makes them one of the standout World Cup 2026 teams. Most bookmakers have made England second favourites at around 6/1. Could it be this time?

• To Qualify From Group L: 1/500
• To Win Group L: 2/7
• To Win World Cup: 6/1

Croatia

Everyone familiar with world football knows what Croatia is all about. Zlatko Dalić’s approach is familiar: control, experience, and composure in possession, with an ageing but streetwise core that will try to slow games down and avoid open transitions.

Luka Modrić is still the metronome and emotional leader, with support from veterans like Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić, plus younger midfielders such as Petar Sučić and Martin Baturina pushing for more responsibility. Expect Croatia to get the necessary points to progress, but this side isn’t as dynamic as in previous tournaments.

• To Qualify From Group L: 2/11
• To Win Group L: 7/2
• To Win World Cup: 100/1

Ghana

Ghana topped their qualifying group with authority and arrives looking sharper and more coherent than in recent tournament runs. Otto Addo has leaned into Ghana’s traditional strengths – athletic midfielders and explosive wide attackers – while adding a more consistent set-piece threat that can turn tight games in their favour.

Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo provide the modern counter-attacking threat, giving Ghana a reliable source of goals and assists.

• To Qualify From Group L: 8/13
• To Win Group L: 10/1
• To Win World Cup: 500/1

Panama

Panama qualified unbeaten through the final Concacaf stage and arrives as a disciplined unit rather than a star-led side. Under Thomas Christiansen, they’ve shown a willingness to prioritise structure in a compact 5-4-1 and look to wide areas and transition moments for chances, with Adalberto Carrasquilla providing the main creative spark.

Aníbal Godoy sets the tone as captain, while the team is built on work rate, defensive commitment, and collective belief. This could be a tougher ask for England, Croatia, and Ghana than it looks.

• To Qualify From Group L: 2/1
• To Win Group L: 50/1
• To Win World Cup: 1500/1