2026 World Cup Semifinal Favorites: Which Teams Could Make the Final Four?
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, each battling through a tough knockout stage. Only four will emerge to claim spots in the semifinals, placing them just two wins away from lifting soccer's most prestigious trophy.
After the first round of group matches, certain nations stand out as likely semifinal contenders. Here are the latest odds to reach that stage according to FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 17.
Insights on the Odds
The seven leading teams on this list include Spain, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany. Their combined history boasts 39 World Cup semifinal appearances, with six of these countries having already won the tournament multiple times. This track record is why sportsbooks see them as prime candidates for the final four in 2026.
“Lionel Messi kicked off Argentina’s campaign with a hat trick,”Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
Following Messi’s remarkable first career hat trick in the tournament, Argentina’s chances improved significantly, jumping from +260 to +180 after their 3-0 victory over Algeria. Meanwhile, Norway moved up to +600 thanks to a strong 4-1 win against Iraq. Portugal’s odds slipped a little, falling from +175 to +190 after a less impressive draw with DR Congo.
In 2022, Morocco made history as the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, defying 200-1 title odds.Getty Images
Morocco’s 2022 performance was one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. Initially pegged at 200-1 to win the title, they advanced to the semifinals before losing to France. Before the tournament began, Morocco was listed at 50-1 to make the semifinals, rewarding bettors who took the chance. Their current odds have improved from +1000 to +800 after holding Brazil to a competitive draw in the opening match. Will another underdog rise again this summer? We think it’s possible.
