The full field for the 48-team World Cup is set after Tuesday’s dramatic playoffs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Czechia, Türkiye, Congo DR, and Iraq confirmed their World Cup berths during this international break.
Italy, Denmark, Bolivia, and Jamaica were among the teams to miss out. Italy have now failed to qualify for three straight World Cups, and the Azzurri’s absence makes Group B more appealing for Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
2026 World Cup Groups
Group A - Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Group B - Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C - Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D - United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Group E - Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F - Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
Group G - Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H - Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I - France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J - Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K - Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L - England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Canada’s Chances
Canada are +280 to be eliminated in the Round of 16, a price that looks more appealing without Italy in the picture. The Canadians now have a realistic path to a second-place finish in their group, which would set up a Round of 32 matchup with Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, or Czechia.
Those are all winnable matchups for Canada, especially with home advantage in each of their group-stage games.
Recent draws against Tunisia and Iceland were not particularly convincing, but they extend Canada’s run to just one defeat in their last 14 matches.
Difficult USA Road
The United States could face a difficult path even if they win Group D. As the group winner, they would likely draw a strong third-placed team, which helps explain why they are priced at +125 to be eliminated in the Round of 32. Potential opponents include Ecuador, Tunisia, Sweden, Senegal, Norway, Austria, and Algeria.
Oddly, finishing second in Group D may be the more favorable route. In that scenario, the U.S. would face the runner-up in Group G, likely Egypt, and avoid the uncertainty of a large pool of third-place qualifiers.
Recent results raise concerns. Losses to Belgium and Portugal, conceding seven goals in the process, suggest the U.S. may not be equipped for a deep World Cup run, even with home advantage.
Uninspiring England
England underwhelmed in matches against Uruguay and Japan, with Thomas Tuchel overseeing the Three Lions’ first-ever defeats to Asian and African opposition.
While Tuchel was experimenting and giving fringe players minutes, the overall level of play remains a concern for anyone considering backing England to win the tournament. Their odds are simply too short given their current look.
At +500, there is better value elsewhere. England may have a softer group, but with so many teams advancing from the first phase, that advantage carries limited weight.
Congo’s Hopes
DR Congo have a great chance of reaching the knockout stages. They are priced at -155 to qualify from a group that includes Portugal and Colombia.
Recent results support that outlook. Since the start of 2025, Congo have beaten Mali and Cameroon, while also drawing with Senegal and Nigeria.
This is their first World Cup appearance since 1974, but they are far from overmatched. The squad features plenty of top-level experience, including Chancel Mbemba, Cédric Bakambu, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Les Bleus Impress
Didier Deschamps named a strong side for France’s win over Brazil, and even a heavily rotated lineup followed it up with an emphatic victory against Colombia.
If fit, France once again appear to have the best squad in the tournament on paper. While this group is slightly less experienced than the 2022 World Cup cohort, it is difficult to overlook Les Bleus at +600 to win it all.
There are few, if any, weaknesses in Deschamps’ squad. A potential Round of 16 matchup with Germany is unlikely to concern Kylian Mbappé and company.
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