The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico is set to be the ‘biggest’ Football World Cup. And by biggest, we mean the most teams since its inception. Instead of the usual 32 teams that we have had from 1988 to 2022, there will be 48 teams. Does this change sound familiar? You may have noticed it in the European Club tournaments and the recent Club World Cup.
The format overhaul fundamentally alters the entire structure of the competition, creating a longer tournament and a new, Round of 32 knockout stage. The best part about the new format is the number of matches that will be on offer. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches in previous World Cups.
There will now be a maximum of four matches per day, with matches starting at 18:00, 21:00, 00:00 and 03:00 South African time. We haven’t even accounted for all the ones that will end with extra time, like they always do, or how referees give 9+ minutes of extra time due to the time-wasting celebrations. Anyway, this is what interests us gamblers. A whole 12 hours of action-packed football action
World Cup 2026 Final
Spain vs Argentina
World Cup 2026 3rd & 4th place playoff
France vs England
Favourite to win the tournament
Latest Outright Winner Odds from WSB
France were the bookies favorites to win the World Cup while England were tipped to beat Argentina but those predictions were turned on their head in the semi- finals as a defensive masterclass from Spain saw France exit without getting on the scoresheet despite boasting an attack that included Mbappe, Olise, Dembele and Barcola.
In the other semi, England looked to be heading to their second ever final when they led Argentina 1-0 late in the match but some poor tactical decisions by Thomas Tuchel saw the world champions come roaring back to clinch the match 2-1, thanks again to their talisman Lionel Messi, who provided two pinpoint assists.
The final requires just one bit of magic from the likes of Messi or Yamal to clinch the win. Here is our tip for the final and the 3rd and 4th playoff match.
France vs England – Saturday, 18/07/2026 @ 23:00
Tip: France to Win @ 1.93 odds
France and England will look to bounce back after their devastating losses in the semi-finals to Spain and Argentina, respectively. Both sides have been impressive in front of goal and have scored in all but one of their respective World Cup matches.
We predicted both teams to score in both the semi-finals, and I see this fixture ending any other way. Both sides have strong offences and have been lacklustre at the back recently. I predict Les Bleus to claim a hard-fought 2 – 1 win and claim the bronze medal.
Spain vs Argentina – Sunday, 19/07/2026 @ 21:00
Tip: Spain to win @ 2.35
Defence wins titles is an old cliche therefore my tip for the final is Spain.La Roja showed a defensive masterclass in the semi-final to overcome the much vaunted French team. I think Argentina may have played their final against England. I am backing Spain to take the title 1-0, the same scoreline as their 2010 triumph in South Africa.
The semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are underway, and for more insights into the 2026 FIFA World Cup or tips on the daily footie action, check out our Topbets Football Predictions page on our website.
FAQS
Q: Did South Africa qualify for the World Cup?
A: Yes, South Africa has secured automatic qualification into the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning their qualification group that included Nigeria and Benin.
Q: When is the next World Cup?
A: The next World Cup is set to commence in Mexico City on June 11 2026.
Q: Where is the next World Cup?
A: The next World Cup is a first as it will be jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will expand from 32 teams to 48 teams with the new format featuring 12 groups of four teams, followed by a new Round of 32 knockout stage.
Q: How many teams qualify for the World Cup from Africa?
A: There are a total of 9 teams that have qualified for the World Cup, up from the previous 5 in the 32-team format. DR Congo will have a chance in the inter-confederation playoff to qualify and take the total to 10 teams.
