2026 World Cup Betting Predictions: Best Pre-Tournament Value Picks

ryan-allan
05 May 2026
Ryan Allan 05 May 2026
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  • Spain tipped to claim second World Cup triumph
  • Portugal backed as darkhorse challengers
  • Morocco tipped to pip Brazil as Group C winners
  • Mbappe and Yamal can claim individual awards
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FIFA World Cup trophy (Getty Images)

2026 World Cup Betting Predictions: Best Pre-Tournament Value Picks

The FIFA World Cup is now just over a month away, and with only 38 days to go until kick-off, we’re taking a look at some of the best pre-tournament value available today.

This summer’s competition promises to be a true festival of football, with the first-ever 48-team World Cup bringing an expanded format, more nations, more knockout drama and a huge 104-match schedule across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Tournament Winner: Spain - 6.0

Tournament winners in 2010, Spain arrive in the Americas as justified favourites. Priced at 6.0 to go all the way next July, La Roja head into the competition with confidence, experience, and a squad packed with quality.

The Spanish cruised through qualifying, dropping just two points while scoring 21 goals and conceding only once. A commanding 6-0 away win in Turkey underlined the potential in Luis de la Fuente’s side.

With Lamine Yamal a strong contender for player of the tournament, I fancy Spain to go deep, with the warm conditions in the Americas likely to suit a side comfortable controlling games at a measured tempo.

Grouped in what appears to be a straightforward section with Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, De la Fuente’s side should make smooth progress to the knockout phase.

Unbeaten in 28 matches since a friendly defeat against Colombia two years ago, La Roja could prove the one to beat this summer.
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Cristiano Ronaldo set for World Cup Swansong (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Best Value Outright: Portugal - 12.0

Another European nation capable of going deep in the Americas, Portugal head into the tournament priced at 12.0 to claim a first-ever World Cup title.

In what will surely be Cristiano Ronaldo's final opportunity to win the one trophy that has eluded him in an otherwise extraordinary career, Portugal arrive with a squad brimming with quality and attacking power.

Roberto Martinez’s talented squad showed their class in a serene qualification campaign. While some view Ronaldo’s continued presence as more of a hindrance, the veteran forward bagged five goals in five qualifiers, underlining that he remains lethal in front of goal.

With Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield, the Portuguese can dominate against any side, and they should emerge with confidence from a section including Uzbekistan, Colombia and DR Congo. 
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Brahim Diaz of Morocco (Getty Images)

Group Winner: Morocco to Win Group C - 7.0 

One of the standout value picks in the Group Winners market, Morocco look a strong option at 7.0 to top Group C.

Semi-finalists in 2022 and reigning AFCON champions, the Atlas Lions have a squad packed with experience, quality and know-how at the highest level. With the added creative spark of Brahim Diaz, they could spoil Brazil’s party on matchday one.

Brazil struggled through parts of their CONMEBOL qualifying campaign and could stuggle against a Morocco side with so much experience of playing together. 

The Atlas Lions have lost only once in 41 internationals since January 2024, and with the memory of their superb 2022 run still fresh, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men look dangerous outsiders this summer.

With favourable fixtures against Scotland and Haiti to follow, Morocco look overpriced to finish as Group C winners.

Top Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe - 7.0 

Approacing his peak at 26, Kylian Mbappe scored four goals at the 2018 World Cup and eight in 2022, finishing as the top scorer in Qatar. With France among the pre-tournament favourites, the Real Madrid marksman should get plenty of opportunities to add to his 56 international goals.

Other contenders include Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Colombia forward Luis Diaz is another who offers some long-shot value, with the Bayern star having scored 26 goals so far in a dominant season for the Bundesliga champions.
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Scott McTominay of Scotland Scores against Denmark (Getty Images)

Scotland Top Team Goalscorer: Scott McTominay - 3.75 

A potentially strong value pick in the Top Team Scorer market, Scott McTominay has become the lynchpin in a Scotland side preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998.

The box-to-box Napoli midfielder has scored 13 goals in his last 32 international appearances, including an unforgettable bicycle kick in the remarkable 4-2 victory against Denmark that sealed the Scots’ return to the world’s biggest stage.

With a knack for big-game moments, the energetic Ballon d’Or nominee could prove to be Scotland’s not-so-secret weapon this summer.

Golden Ball: Lamine Yamal - 9.0 

The Barcelona teenager has enjoyed a stellar campaign, registering 41 goal contributions with 24 goals and 17 assists, and looks set to be one of the standout stars in the Americas this summer.

Still only 18, the brilliant Barca forward has already made 175 appearances for club and country, scoring 55 goals.

Set to turn 19 during the week of the World Cup semi-finals, Yamal carries a remarkable level of experience despite his tender years, and while comparisons with Lionel Messi remain premature, the gifted Spaniard has the talent to steal the show this summer.

Verdict

Get our top tips for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including tournament winner, top scorer, top team scorer and Golden Ball.

Best Bet1: Spain to Win the Competition @500.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Kylian Mbappe Top Goalscorer @600.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Scott McTominay Top Team Scorer @275.00 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Best Bet4: Lamine Yamal Golden Ball @800.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Spain
to Win the Competition
@500.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Kylian Mbappe
Top Goalscorer
@600.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Scott McTominay
Top Team Scorer
@275.00 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Lamine Yamal
Golden Ball
@800.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

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