2026 World Cup Semifinal Favorites: Which Teams Are Most Likely to Advance?

Teams Poised to Reach the 2026 World Cup Semifinals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams battling through a demanding tournament. Only four will emerge from over 100 matches to claim spots in the semifinals, bringing them within reach of lifting soccer's most coveted trophy.

Who stands out as the top contenders to make a deep run this summer following the initial group stage games? Let's examine the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 17.

Odds to Reach the Semifinals

• France: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
• Spain: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
• England: +165 (bet $10 to win $26.50 total)
• Argentina: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
• Portugal: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total)
• Brazil: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total)
• Germany: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)
• Netherlands: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
• Belgium: +440 (bet $10 to win $54 total)
• Norway: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
• USA: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
• Colombia: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
• Mexico: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
• Morocco: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
• Uruguay: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
• Switzerland: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
• Japan: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
• Austria: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
• Croatia: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
• Ecuador: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
• Ivory Coast: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
• Sweden: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
• Canada: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)

Top Contenders

The seven teams leading the board are Spain, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany. Each holds odds below +330 to reach the semifinals. Together, they boast 39 World Cup semifinal appearances and six previous champions, which likely explains their strong favor among bettors.

Notable Changes

Argentina's odds improved significantly from +260 to +180 after Lionel Messi scored a historic hat trick in their 3-0 victory over Algeria. Norway also climbed the ranks to +600 after a convincing 4-1 win against Iraq. On the other hand, Portugal saw their chances dip from +175 to +190 following a draw with DR Congo.

Underdog Success Stories

Morocco made headlines at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals, despite entering with 200-1 odds to win the tournament. Their impressive run rewarded bettors handsomely, as Morocco was listed at 50-1 odds to reach the semis before the event began. After a competitive draw against Brazil in 2026, their odds to reach the semifinals have improved from +1000 to +800. Could another unexpected team pull off a similar feat this year?