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Aron Wright - January 29, 2026
The next edition of the FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and it is expected to be a festival of football. For the first time ever, 48 nations will compete for the ultimate prize in international football. 16 nations have been added to the competition giving countries such as Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan the opportunity to compete at the World Cup for the first time in their histories.
The countdown is on, the anticipation is building, and conversations around the eventual winner is building. But while the eyes of football punters are naturally drawn to the odds surrounding Argentina, France, Spain, and England to lift the famous Jules Rimet trophy, here are some predictions that online sports books are trying to keep under wraps.
In the history of the tournament, only eight nations have lifted the trophy. Brazil leads the way with five triumphs and are closely followed by Germany and Italy (4). Argentina (3), France, Uruguay (both 2) and England and Spain (both 1) complete that exclusive list.
However, for football fans looking to bet on sports online, there are plenty of underdogs to be found lower down the favourites list. Further down the list of countries participating, teams such as Japan, Senegal, and Norway could provide the biggest shock in football history.
For Senegal, a World Cup triumph would go well with the AFCON trophy they secured in January. Their chances are helped by the expanded format of the competition, giving “smaller” nations in footballing terms a better chance of progressing deeper into the competition to perhaps go on and win it.
Much like with the tournament winner, punters will be looking up the odds for the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Boot.
However, with the expanded format and the potential mismatches in the groups, there is a chance for a player to fill their boots and give themselves a good chance of winning the Golden Boot even in the group stages. This offers potential for the likes of Richarlison, Florian Wirtz, and Memphis Depay.
For the first time ever, the World Cup will be hosted by three countries. The U.S, Mexico, and Canada combine to bring the biggest tournament in soccer to North America.
Being hosts, the three countries will be fervently backed by their own public, which could give them extra impetus in their bids to go as deep into the competition as possible. Not only are they hosts, but each nation offers good footballing talent. There is a chance they could upset the football hierarchy.
One of the worst kept secrets in football could potentially reveal itself this summer. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 by the time the tournament begins, and it is expected that this could be his last international appearance.
Although the Portuguese legend is still in top condition, time might have caught up with Ronaldo on the international stage. Expect him to be giving everything to add to his already bulging goal tally.
The eyes of the world audience usually witness a special talent coming of age on the world stage when the World Cup rolls around. In the recent AFCON tournament, PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye showcased his skills to the global audience and with 48 countries involved, there is sure to be more talent unearthed at this summer’s tournament.
It remains to be seen whether the likes of Lennart Karl (Germany), Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire), and Pau Cubarsi (Spain) can significantly enhance their already growing reputations. Sports books will be hoping that punters do not catch onto these youngsters making a splash early in the competition.
