With the 2026 World Cup draw set for Friday at approximately 5pm UK time, bet365 has released trading insights revealing where bettors are placing their confidence for the tournament.
Spain has emerged as the clear favourite among punters, accounting for 27% of all World Cup outright winner bets placed since 16 November. The reigning European champions are priced at 9/2, reflecting both their recent dominance and betting popularity.
England sits second in betting activity with 19% of wagers, despite longer odds of 6/1. Portugal rounds out the top three with 12% of bets at 10/1, while Brazil and Norway have each attracted 8% of stakes, priced at 8/1 and 33/1 respectively.
France, priced at 7/1, has drawn 6% of betting activity, whilst Argentina accounts for 4% at 8/1.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Scotland features in the data with 4% of bets despite being priced at 250/1.
Bet365 has also unveiled odds for England's final squad selection, with Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all heavily favoured at 1/33 to make the cut.
Established stars like Jude Bellingham (1/7) and Phil Foden (1/10) are near-certainties, while Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford are priced at 2/7.
The defensive lineup appears more competitive, with Trent Alexander-Arnold priced at 8/11 and Valentino Livramento at evens, suggesting genuine selection battles await manager Thomas Tuchel.
The news comes as the operator has been expanding its market offerings throughout 2025, recently introducing 'player to be fouled' markets across Premier League fixtures in October.
Bet365 has also continued its US expansion, officially launching in Missouri in November following a multi-year partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals, marking the operator's 16th active US market.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format used since 1998
