In The Mixer: 6 experts look ahead to 2026 World Cup
Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.
In The Mixer is FST’s weekly column where we catch up with our team of football betting experts and get their opinion on the hot topic of the week.
Fresh from seeing Spain crowned European champions and Argentina successfully defend the Copa America, we have asked a host of experts who they think has a chance at taking it one step further and winning the World Cup in 2026.
Half siding with Spain in 2024
Jack Ogalbe
Spain have a real chance to kick on after winning Euro 2024 and clearly have scope to develop when you consider Barcelona duo Pau Cubarsi and Gavi are likely to come into their side, so the 6-1 appeals.
With the temperatures set to soar, there is also value in tracking the South American sides. Whether or not Lionel Messi is still calling the shots, Argentina (9-1) should go well again after another Copa America victory while Uruguay (25-1) and Colombia (66-1) could be the ones to watch.
Both enjoyed strong Copa campaigns and things could fall into place for those seeking an each-way option.
Joe Casey
The heat could be brutal in North America during the summer months in two years, meaning there could be an advantage for nations more used to playing in such conditions.
Spain looked the real deal at Euro 2024 and, with Rodri set to anchor their midfield for the foreseeable future, further progress could be forthcoming from the new European champions.
Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Pedri will be two years further along in their development, and they have enough talent in the squad to make a big impact.
At bigger prices, Colombia are tempting at 66-1 after making a big splash at the Copa America.
Rob Eddy
Without jumping on a bandwagon, Euro 2024 winners Spain are the team to side with as they have plenty of scope for improvement, even if they were the most impressive side at the Euros.
La Roja – Nations League winners in 2022-23 – should have beaten Italy in the semi-finals at Euro 2020 but failed to take their chances, and although that is arguably still a problem, stars such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri, and Gavi show there is potential for Spain to get even better.
Copa America runners-up Colombia beat Germany, Brazil and Spain during their 28-game unbeaten run prior to their defeat to Argentina and may be one to watch at big odds if they maintain their upward trajectory.
Germany, Portugal & Argentina also fancied
Tom Hill
Germany look great value at 10-1 despite failing to go all the way at Euro 2024.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side were a tad unfortunate to draw Spain so early in the tournament and they have some exciting forwards who will be even more prepared for the World Cup in 2026.
Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz have yet to reach their peak, while Niclas Fullkrug, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, and Antonio Rugier should still be in the mix to add some vital experience to their ranks.
James Mason
Cristiano Ronaldo was becoming a hindrance for Portugal and with the skipper now out of the picture for his country, World Cup success could be in the offing.
Roberto Martinez has a plethora of young, attacking options at his disposal, while there is plenty of quality in midfield and defence, so his squad has everything required to succeed.
Uruguay could also be worth a look. Marcelo Bielsa has impressed since taking charge in May 2023, guiding the team to the Copa America semi-finals after beating Brazil on penalties, and he can exact further improvement leading into the World Cup.
Aaron Rogan
Holders Argentina have gone from strength to strength since Qatar, winning 18 of their 20 matches since that triumph.
They’ve got an incredible defensive foundation and Lionel Messi is showing no signs of slowing down after his move to MLS.
Outside of Messi, their key men are young and there are some new players beginning to make their mark.
Stars such as Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez should give them a great chance of defending their title in 2026.
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