THE WORLD CUP heads for North America in 2026 and a competition with a bit more ‘normality’ about it.
And the outright betting suggests that normal service will continue, with the world’s top nations all among the favourites to win it.
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Perhaps unsurprisingly – given how well their young squad fared – France lead the way as favourites with bookmakers Betfair .
Perhaps a little surprisingly, England are a SHORTER price than current holders Argentina to end 60 years of hurt.
The French pushed all the way to secure a remarkable back-to-back triumph but it wasn’t to be, losing on penalties.
Next time, they’ll be without all-time record scorer Olivier Giroud who will be 39 and Karim Benzema, who announced his retirement from international football.
But their forward line was full of youth who will look to reclaim the world’s top award and they are 5/1 with Betfair to do so.
Brazil were the pre-tournament favourites in Qatar and shortened considerably throughout the tournament before being dumped out in the quarters.
They are just behind France at 11/2 to make amends in North America.
Then it’s England (7/1), who also took a youthful squad to Qatar and will be hoping for a better showing next time.
Gareth Southgate announced he would be staying on until the end of the Euro 2024 campaign, though it’s likely another person will be in the hotseat by the time this tourney comes around.
Current holders, Argentina are priced alongside Qatar flops Germany and Spain at 9/1.
It doesn’t appear likely that Lionel Messi will return to lead the South Americans in pursuit of retaining but stranger things have happened.
Germany need a complete overhaul after back-to-back group stage failures, while Spain have four years to find a centre forward that can compliment a young, talented midfield.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Argentina are 9/1 to successfully defend their World Cup crown at the 2026 tournament, while 2022 finalists France are the 5/1 frontrunners, with England 7/1.”
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