Tournament Update — July 12, 2026
The quarterfinals wrapped up on July 11, and for the first time in World Cup history, all four of FIFA's top-ranked teams entering the tournament — France, Spain, England, and Argentina — have reached the semifinals. France (+140) remains the clear favorite after a 2-0 win over Morocco, outscoring opponents 16-2 across six matches with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé each scoring five goals, the first teammate duo to do that since Brazil's Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002. England (+310) and Spain (+330) are tightly bunched behind them, while defending champions Argentina (+400) are the last team standing among the four but have needed extra time or a comeback in three straight knockout matches.
The quarterfinals delivered two routs and two thrillers: France beat Morocco 2-0, and Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on a late Mikel Merino goal. England then needed extra time to see off Norway 2-1, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice, ending Erling Haaland and Norway's historic run. Argentina also needed extra time to beat a 10-man Switzerland 3-1, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scoring in the additional 30 minutes. The semifinals are now set: France vs. Spain on July 14 in Arlington, Texas, and England vs. Argentina on July 15 in Atlanta. The winners meet in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
Betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most expansive in the tournament's history. For the first time ever, 48 nations are competing across a joint host spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded field creates 104 total matches — up from 64 in 2022 — giving bettors dramatically more opportunities to find value throughout the group stage and knockout rounds.
With the tournament hosted in North America, legal sports betting is more accessible for American bettors than at any previous World Cup. FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars are all offering full coverage including match lines, knockout round futures, Golden Boot props, and live in-game betting as the field narrows toward the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.