2026 FIFA World Cup: Complete Group Stage Preview & Polymarket Odds

The 2026 FIFA World Cup ushers in a historic new era for the tournament. With the field expanding to 48 teams across North America, the format now features 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the brand-new Round of 32.

As the group stage approaches, prediction markets are already seeing massive volume. Here is a comprehensive preview of all 12 groups, including the latest Polymarket odds and tactical outlooks.

Note: The World Cup odds in the tables below are correct as of May 27th, 2026. The odds feeds above the tables update automatically, to provide perspective on how odds are shifting as the tournament approaches.

Group A: Mexico's Home-Soil Advantage

Teams: Mexico, Czech Republic, South Korea, South Africa

Playing on familiar soil, Mexico is heavily favored to top Group A. El Tri brings an experienced squad that will feed off the roaring crowds in North America. The Czech Republic and South Korea are locked in a tight battle for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Czechs offer European tactical rigidity, while Heung-min Son’s South Korea relies on blistering pace in transition. South Africa is trading as the group's longshot, needing a massive upset to stay alive.

Group B: A Wide-Open Battle

Teams: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar

Group B is one of the most balanced in the tournament. Switzerland is the slight favorite due to their pedigree in navigating major tournament group stages. However, Canada—fueled by co-host energy and stars like Alphonso Davies—presents a massive threat to win the group. Bosnia has the physicality to grind out results and sneak into a top-two spot or advance as a third-place team, while Qatar faces an uphill battle to recreate their 2019 Asian Cup form.

Group C: Brazil's Samba Return

Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Brazil is the overwhelming favorite here, bringing an attacking roster that is practically unmatched in global football. Their odds to advance are essentially a lock. The race for second place is where the value lies. Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, are heavily backed to advance and have the defensive structure to frustrate opponents. Scotland will rely on grit and set pieces to secure vital points, while Haiti enters as massive underdogs hoping to spoil the party.

Group D: The American Dream

Teams: USA, Turkey, Paraguay, Australia

The United States finds itself in a highly favorable group as co-hosts. Driven by a golden generation in their prime, the USMNT is priced comfortably to win Group D. Turkey arrives as a dangerous European dark horse with plenty of technical quality in midfield, making them the most likely runner-up. Both Paraguay and Australia possess rugged, defensively sound styles, turning their head-to-head clash into a vital fixture for third-place advancement hopes.

Group E: German Redemption

Teams: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao

After disappointing group-stage exits in recent World Cups, Germany is poised for a deep run and is heavily backed to dominate Group E. Ecuador brings a physically imposing, high-pressing South American style that makes them favorites to secure the second spot. However, Ivory Coast has the attacking talent to punish any mistakes, creating a tight margin between second and third. Curacao is making a historic appearance but is severely outgunned in this group.

Group F: Dutch Control

Teams: Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, Tunisia

The Netherlands are clear favorites, bringing their traditional 4-3-3 shape and elite center-back depth to North America. The battle for second place is arguably the most intriguing in the tournament. Sweden offers size and European discipline, while Japan plays an intense, transition-heavy style that routinely topples European giants. Tunisia will rely on a low block to frustrate opponents, but advancing will be a tall order.

Group G: Belgium's New Era

Teams: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Transitioning away from their "Golden Generation," Belgium still boasts enough top-flight European talent to be firmly projected as Group G winners. Egypt relies heavily on transitional play and clinical finishing to secure points, giving them a slight edge over Iran for the second spot. Iran's defensive solidity makes them a tough out for any team. New Zealand brings physicality but lacks the technical depth of their group counterparts.

Group H: Spanish Dominance

Teams: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

Group H gives us one of the best group stage matchups of the tournament: Spain vs. Uruguay. Spain's possession-based dominance makes them the favorites, but Uruguay's aggressive midfield and elite strikers will test the Spanish defense. Both are massive locks to advance. Saudi Arabia will look to replicate their 2022 heroics against South American opposition, while Cape Verde enters as a Cinderella story just looking to compete.

Group I: Les Bleus March On

Teams: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq

France is trading as one of the heaviest group favorites in the entire tournament, backed by terrifying attacking depth and star power. The race for second is fascinating. Senegal brings elite athleticism and major tournament experience, while Norway boasts sheer star power with Erling Haaland leading the line. Iraq is expected to struggle against the sheer physical and technical dominance of the top three.

Group J: Argentina's Title Defense

Teams: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

The defending champions arrive in North America looking to retain their crown. Argentina is heavily favored to breeze through Group J. Austria brings high-intensity, pressing football under Ralf Rangnick, making them the safest bet for the second spot. Algeria has the individual brilliance to pull off an upset on any given day and is highly likely to advance as a third-place team. Jordan is largely outmatched in this technical group.

Group K: Portuguese Flair

Teams: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan

Portugal possesses an incredibly deep and balanced squad, making them the clear favorites to top Group K. However, Colombia is a live underdog; their physical and fast-paced South American style can cause problems for European defenses. DR Congo has the athleticism to frustrate opponents and push for a third-place advancement spot, while Uzbekistan relies on team cohesion to try and secure a shock result.

Group L: England's Expectation

Teams: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England enters Group L with the expectation of a deep run, boasting world-class talent across the pitch. They are heavy favorites to win the group, but Croatia—perennial overachievers on the global stage—will not make it easy. Their midfield control allows them to dictate the tempo of matches. Ghana has the talent to push Croatia for the second spot, making their head-to-head match crucial. Panama will look to play spoiler but faces a massive talent deficit.

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