Favorites and chances: which teams are closer to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16? After the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, bookmakers have updated the odds for advancing to the Round of 16. Spain and France are among the main favorites. Of the host nations, only Canada remains in doubt.
The odds for advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been updated following the end of the group stage. According to FOX Sports, Spain and France top the list of favorites, based on FanDuel Sportsbook. Both teams have the lowest odds for progressing to the next round: —450 for France, —390 for Spain. This indicates that bookmakers have virtually no doubt about their playoff success.
In the expanded tournament format, featuring 48 teams, the Round of 16 has become the second knockout stage. Other favorites include England, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Belgium, and Argentina. Their odds for reaching the Round of 16 range from —360 to —200, also reflecting a high level of confidence in these national teams.
Particular attention is given to the host nations: Mexico, the USA, and Canada. According to bookmakers, Mexico and the USA have good chances of advancing to the next round, while Canada sits on the threshold of probability, with odds at +100. For Mexico, reaching the Round of 16 is a regular result, although the team failed to get past the group stage in 2022. The USA have made it to the Round of 16 twice in their last three World Cup appearances, while Canada has yet to win a match at the tournament.
The list of playoff contenders also includes Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Colombia, Turkey, Ecuador, Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Japan, Austria, South Korea, Czechia, and Senegal. Their odds range from —165 to +210, reflecting greater uncertainty compared to the leaders.
For Spain and France, current bookmaker expectations are backed by the outcomes of recent tournaments. France has consistently advanced from the group stage since 2010, while Spain, after winning in 2010, was twice stopped at the round of 16. At the same time, the tournament’s expanded format increases competition and may lead to unexpected results.
The 2026 World Cup is being held for the first time across three countries—Mexico, the USA, and Canada. This is the largest tournament in history by number of participants. According to the regulations, 32 teams qualify for the playoffs, and the battle to reach the round of 16 becomes a key stage for most national teams. For fans and players, bets on advancing to the next round are not just about excitement, but also reflect real expectations for teams given the changed tournament structure.
