- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,210,108
- Reaction score
- 59
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals roll on, and while Spain has punched their ticket to the semis, they now run into a France team that has strengthened its position in Kalshi's latest futures market after reaching the final four without conceding a goal in any of its three knockout-stage matches.
Now the other side of the bracket takes center stage. England meets Norway in a heavyweight quarterfinal built around Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, while Argentina looks to keep its title defense alive against a Switzerland side that has made a habit of dragging opponents into uncomfortable games.
Before making your World Cup picks, take a look at the latest World Cup odds, favorites, and where the market stands as the road to lifting the trophy enters the quarterfinals.
Odds as of 7-11. Percentages courtesy of Kalshi.
Kalshi is a regulated financial exchange where you trade on real-world event outcomes. Instead of traditional odds, prices are listed as percentages (0-100%), representing the market’s estimated probability of an event occurring.
A closer look at the market
Blessed with elite young talent, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, La Roja possess one of the highest ceilings in the field. Their ability to control possession, dictate tempo, and limit opponents' opportunities makes them a nightmare matchup in tournament football.
The concern is whether Spain can consistently turn that control into goals against deep, organized defenses. If they find a more clinical edge in the final third, they remain a legitimate threat to lift the trophy.
Kylian Mbappe has shown the world what he can do in France's latest wins over Senegal and Morocco, potting three goals for his country.
The biggest concern is at the back, where France can still look vulnerable defensively against organized sides. Even so, nobody will want to face them in the semis, where one moment from Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, or Michael Olise can completely flip a game on its head.
If not now, then when? England are still searching for their first World Cup title since 1966, but this current core is running out of opportunities together. Harry Kane remains the focal point, while Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka give England one of the deepest attacking groups in the field.
The issue is that we’ve seen this story before. England have consistently entered major tournaments with sky-high expectations only to fall short in the biggest moments. The talent is undeniable, but questions surrounding mentality, tactics, and a potentially difficult knockout draw are keeping skepticism alive around their World Cup odds.
The defending champions are well-equipped to defend their title, especially when Lionel Messi looks like he hasn't aged a day since 2022.
Argentina remain one of the most balanced teams in the tournament, built around a strong defensive structure, elite midfield control, and one of the steadiest goalkeepers in the world in Emiliano Martinez.
Perhaps most importantly, they already know how to win these matches. Tournament experience matters, and very few teams are as comfortable navigating pressure-filled knockout games as Argentina. They may not have the flashiest roster in the field anymore, but writing them off would be a massive mistake.
Soccer Guide
Golden Boot odds focus on which player will finish the tournament as the top scorer, factoring in team strength, expected minutes, and matchups throughout the knockout rounds. For a full breakdown of contenders and tiebreaker rules, see our World Cup Golden Boot odds page.
World Cup group odds let traders target which teams will finish first in their group or qualify for the knockout stage, often at better prices than outright futures. These markets are shaped heavily by group draw, goal differential, and projected paths — all of which are tracked on our World Cup group standings page.
Match odds differ from futures by focusing on individual games rather than the tournament winner, with pricing that can shift quickly as teams rotate lineups or manage fatigue. Knockout matches bring added volatility due to extra time and penalties, while live trading allows for reactions to momentum swings as matches unfold.
Trading on the FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular events in global sports wagering, with markets ranging from outright winners to player props and live in-game odds. Here’s a breakdown of how to predict soccer in the most common ways:
Tip: Odds can fluctuate dramatically during the tournament, especially after injuries or upsets, so shopping around for the best line is key.
Three countries receive automatic entry as tournament co-hosts:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, Norway, Turkiye, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Cabo Verde, New Zealand, Panama, Curaçao, Haiti, D.R. Congo, Iraq.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Continue reading...
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals roll on, and while Spain has punched their ticket to the semis, they now run into a France team that has strengthened its position in Kalshi's latest futures market after reaching the final four without conceding a goal in any of its three knockout-stage matches.
Now the other side of the bracket takes center stage. England meets Norway in a heavyweight quarterfinal built around Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, while Argentina looks to keep its title defense alive against a Switzerland side that has made a habit of dragging opponents into uncomfortable games.
Before making your World Cup picks, take a look at the latest World Cup odds, favorites, and where the market stands as the road to lifting the trophy enters the quarterfinals.
World Cup odds 2026: Who will win?
Country |
You must be registered for see images
Probability | American Odds |
|---|---|---|
|
You must be registered for see images
France | 37.8% | +165 |
|
You must be registered for see images
Spain | 20.9% | +378 |
|
You must be registered for see images
Argentina | 18.6% | +438 |
|
You must be registered for see images
England | 15.3% | +554 |
|
You must be registered for see images
Norway | 6.4% | +1463 |
|
You must be registered for see images
Switzerland | 1.8% | +5456 |
Odds as of 7-11. Percentages courtesy of Kalshi.
Kalshi is a regulated financial exchange where you trade on real-world event outcomes. Instead of traditional odds, prices are listed as percentages (0-100%), representing the market’s estimated probability of an event occurring.
A closer look at the market
- French dominance: After defeating Morocco 2-0, France has successfully clinched a third straight World Cup semifinal appearance.
- Spain stands tall: Spain put their early stumble behind them, winning Group H and reaching the semis after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday. Their possession-based style and elite midfield continue to make La Roja one of the toughest outs in the tournament.
- England conquers Azteca: Two goals from Jude Bellingham and a penalty kick from Harry Kane were just enough to advance past Mexico and into the quarterfinals.
- Norway playing spoiler: Another Erling Haaland brace sent Norway (6.4%) flying into the quarterfinals despite a late goal from Neymar.
More World Cup odds
World Cup contenders
Spain
Blessed with elite young talent, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, La Roja possess one of the highest ceilings in the field. Their ability to control possession, dictate tempo, and limit opponents' opportunities makes them a nightmare matchup in tournament football.
The concern is whether Spain can consistently turn that control into goals against deep, organized defenses. If they find a more clinical edge in the final third, they remain a legitimate threat to lift the trophy.
France
Kylian Mbappe has shown the world what he can do in France's latest wins over Senegal and Morocco, potting three goals for his country.
The biggest concern is at the back, where France can still look vulnerable defensively against organized sides. Even so, nobody will want to face them in the semis, where one moment from Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, or Michael Olise can completely flip a game on its head.
England
If not now, then when? England are still searching for their first World Cup title since 1966, but this current core is running out of opportunities together. Harry Kane remains the focal point, while Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka give England one of the deepest attacking groups in the field.
The issue is that we’ve seen this story before. England have consistently entered major tournaments with sky-high expectations only to fall short in the biggest moments. The talent is undeniable, but questions surrounding mentality, tactics, and a potentially difficult knockout draw are keeping skepticism alive around their World Cup odds.
Argentina
The defending champions are well-equipped to defend their title, especially when Lionel Messi looks like he hasn't aged a day since 2022.
Argentina remain one of the most balanced teams in the tournament, built around a strong defensive structure, elite midfield control, and one of the steadiest goalkeepers in the world in Emiliano Martinez.
Perhaps most importantly, they already know how to win these matches. Tournament experience matters, and very few teams are as comfortable navigating pressure-filled knockout games as Argentina. They may not have the flashiest roster in the field anymore, but writing them off would be a massive mistake.
Soccer Guide
World Cup Golden Boot odds
Golden Boot odds focus on which player will finish the tournament as the top scorer, factoring in team strength, expected minutes, and matchups throughout the knockout rounds. For a full breakdown of contenders and tiebreaker rules, see our World Cup Golden Boot odds page.
World Cup group odds and qualification markets
World Cup group odds let traders target which teams will finish first in their group or qualify for the knockout stage, often at better prices than outright futures. These markets are shaped heavily by group draw, goal differential, and projected paths — all of which are tracked on our World Cup group standings page.
World Cup match odds explained
Match odds differ from futures by focusing on individual games rather than the tournament winner, with pricing that can shift quickly as teams rotate lineups or manage fatigue. Knockout matches bring added volatility due to extra time and penalties, while live trading allows for reactions to momentum swings as matches unfold.
How to trade on the World Cup
Trading on the FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular events in global sports wagering, with markets ranging from outright winners to player props and live in-game odds. Here’s a breakdown of how to predict soccer in the most common ways:
- Outright winner: Pick which nation will lift the trophy.
- Group winner: Back a country to finish top of its group.
- Group exact finish: Predict the exact order of finish (1-4) for each group.
- Match markets: Wager on moneyline, spread, or totals for individual matches.
- Player props: Trade on tournament-long markets such as who will win the Golden Boot or Golden Ball, or individual match props like goals, shots, or bookings.
- To reach quarterfinals/semifinals: Back a country to go deep into the tournament without needing to win it.
Tip: Odds can fluctuate dramatically during the tournament, especially after injuries or upsets, so shopping around for the best line is key.
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Three countries receive automatic entry as tournament co-hosts:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Qualified teams:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, Norway, Turkiye, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Cabo Verde, New Zealand, Panama, Curaçao, Haiti, D.R. Congo, Iraq.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Continue reading...
