The FIFA World Cup is approaching, with anticipation already evident among global football supporters. Following the confirmation of all participating teams, various betting organisations have published assessments of potential group winners. These projections indicate that several European and South American sides are among the strongest contenders across the groups, alongside a number of emerging national teams.
The tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, is expected to produce highly competitive group-stage fixtures. Based on published probability assessments, the following overview summarises the leading candidates in each group.
Group-wise leading contenders
| Group | Leading team | Other participating teams |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mexico (hosts) | South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic |
| B | Switzerland | Canada, Qatar, Bosnia |
| C | Brazil | Morocco, Haiti, Scotland |
| D | United States (hosts) | Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye |
| E | Germany | Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Curaçao |
| F | Netherlands | Japan, Sweden, Tunisia |
| G | Belgium | Iran, Egypt, New Zealand |
| H | Spain | Uruguay, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia |
| I | France | Norway, Senegal, Iraq |
| J | Argentina | Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
| K | Portugal | Colombia, Congo, Uzbekistan |
| L | England | Croatia, Ghana, Panama |
Group analysis
In Group A, hosts Mexico are identified as the leading side, with the advantage of home conditions. South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic are also expected to be competitive within the group.
Group B places Switzerland as the most experienced team, while Canada may benefit from home support. Qatar and Bosnia are also included as challengers within the group structure.
Group C is widely led by Brazil, a five-time world champion, who are regarded as the strongest side in the group. Morocco, a previous World Cup semi-finalist, is considered their closest competitor, while Haiti and Scotland are placed further behind in terms of experience and squad strength.
In Group D, the United States, another host nation, are expected to perform strongly. Paraguay brings tournament experience, while Australia and Türkiye are considered comparatively less dominant.
Group E is led by Germany, four-time World Cup winners, who are positioned as the strongest team. Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, and Curaçao complete the group.
Group F features the Netherlands as the most established side. Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia are expected to provide competitive resistance.
In Group G, Belgium is placed at the top in terms of strength and experience. Iran’s participation had previously been subject to uncertainty, but they are confirmed to be taking part. Egypt and New Zealand complete the group.
Group H is led by Spain, with Uruguay expected to provide significant competition. Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are also part of this group, the latter having previously recorded a notable victory against Argentina in the previous World Cup.
Group I places France as the leading side. Norway is not expected to be underestimated, while Senegal and Iraq are also included and could influence group outcomes.
Group J is led by reigning world champions Argentina. Algeria, Austria, and Jordan are the remaining teams in the group.
Group K places Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, at the top. Colombia is viewed as their principal competitor, with Congo and Uzbekistan also participating.
Group L is led by England, with Croatia expected to provide strong competition. Ghana is also considered capable of producing notable performances, while Panama completes the group.
Summary
Overall, pre-tournament assessments suggest that established footballing nations from Europe and South America are leading most groups in projected standings. However, with the expanded 48-team format, the group stage is expected to remain highly competitive, with several emerging sides positioned to challenge traditional favourites.