With 42 of 48 teams confirmed and groups set, favourites such as Brazil, Argentina and England remain strong — punters should favour group-top bets on established powers, while late UK kick-offs and long travel open value for underdog bets (Scotland, Mexico) and fatigue-driven upsets in knockout ties.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Tournament snapshot and format
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first North American edition since 1994 and the first with an expanded 48-team field. Twelve groups of four teams will compete in a new format that increases group-stage opportunities and adds a round of 32 before the traditional knockout ladder.
Confirmed teams and remaining qualifiers
Forty-two of the 48 places are already filled. The final six teams will be decided via play-offs in March. All three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — have automatic group-stage qualification. Argentina enter as defending champions after their 2022 win over France.
Key groups and matchups to watch
Group line-ups include heavyweight clashes and intriguing underdog stories that will shape betting markets and tournament narratives.
Notable groups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Play-off Path D winner (Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland or North Macedonia) Group B: Canada, UEFA Play-off Path A winner (Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Northern Ireland), Qatar, Switzerland Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off Path C winner (Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania) Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Play-off Path B winner (Ukraine, Poland, Albania or Sweden), Tunisia Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland) and Group H (Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay) contain immediate headline matchups for bettors assessing group winners and potential upset candidates.
Schedule, kick-off times and logistics
The tournament opens on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City with Mexico vs South Africa. Group-stage final matches for some sections conclude on June 27; the round of 32 begins June 28 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The round of 32 runs until July 3, the round of 16 from July 4–7, quarter-finals on July 9–11, semi-finals on July 14–15, third-place play-off on July 18 and the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19.
Kick-off timing will vary across North American time zones. The opening match and the final are set for 20:00 UK time, while local starts will be afternoon in the host cities. Time differences mean many European viewers and teams will contend with unconventional schedules.
How kick-off times affect teams and bettors
England’s group fixtures are scheduled at 21:00 or 22:00 UK time, though knockout positions could force earlier or much later slots. Scotland’s opener is at 02:00 UK time, with other games around 23:00. If Wales or Northern Ireland progress via play-offs, their group games would likely be 20:00 UK time. The Republic of Ireland, if they qualify, may face a mix of 03:00, 17:00 and 02:00 kick-offs.
These scheduling quirks influence player recovery, travel load and match sharpness — important variables for punters. Teams with deeper squads and experience handling irregular kick-offs (Brazil, Germany, Spain) become more reliable bets in later stages, while late-night fixtures create opportunities for value bets on underdogs and fatigued favourites.
Betting implications and tactical angles
Expect favourites like Brazil, Argentina and established European powers to be predominant in outright and group-top markets. Look for opportunities:
Back established powers for group wins and later knockout progression due to squad depth.
Target value on underdogs in late kick-offs where travel or time-zone disruption may blunt favourites.
Consider match-specific markets (goalscorer, total goals, cards) where fatigue or fixture congestion could depress scoring.
Monitor final play-off results — the identity of those winners will alter several group dynamics and market prices.
Milestones and context
The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion and a return to North America. The new 48-team format and multi-country hosting introduce fresh logistical and competitive dynamics that will shape team preparation, fan viewership and betting markets.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico and here's all you need to know including dates, kick-off times and groups
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