2026 World Cup Semifinal Favorites: Latest Odds and Predictions
Which Teams Are Poised for the 2026 World Cup Semifinals?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams battling through a demanding knockout phase, making it no small feat to reach the semifinals. Only four teams will emerge from over 100 matches to get within striking distance of claiming football's most prestigious prize.
So, who are the front-runners after the initial group stage games? Here is the current snapshot of odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 17, showing which nations are favored to advance to the final four.
Key Insights from the Oddsboard
The top seven teams—Spain, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany—all stand below +330 odds to reach the semifinals. Together, they have made 39 World Cup semifinal appearances and include six former champions. This rich history makes them clear favorites in the eyes of oddsmakers.
Argentina's chances improved notably after Lionel Messi’s historic first World Cup hat trick, pushing their odds from +260 to +180 following their 3-0 victory over Algeria. Meanwhile, Norway climbed to +600 after a commanding 4-1 win against Iraq. On the other hand, Portugal saw a slight drop from +175 to +190 after a less-than-stellar draw with DR Congo.
In the 2022 World Cup, Morocco stunned the world by becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals, despite entering the tournament with 200-1 odds. Before that event, their odds to reach the semifinals were 50-1, rewarding those who bet big. Their odds have since improved to +800 after a competitive draw against Brazil in this tournament, raising the question of whether another long shot might surprise again.
