News: Sport

Portugal are favourites to top Group K at the 2026 World Cup, though Colombia could provide a serious challenge in an unpredictable and entirely fresh group.

Argentina are strong favourites to top Group J at the 2026 World Cup, but Austria and Algeria could create a competitive battle for qualification behind the holders.

France are favourites to top Group I at the 2026 World Cup, though Norway and Senegal could make qualification far more competitive than the market suggests.

Spain head into Group H as major favourites at the 2026 World Cup, but Uruguay could provide serious competition in one of the tournament’s most intriguing sections.

Belgium are favourites to top Group G at the 2026 World Cup, while Egypt and Iran battle for qualification in one of the tournament’s most politically discussed groups.

The Netherlands are favourites to top Group F at the 2026 World Cup, but Japan and Sweden are expected to provide strong competition for qualification places.

Germany are overwhelming favourites to top Group E at the 2026 World Cup, while Ecuador and Ivory Coast compete for what could become a crucial second qualification spot.

The USA are slight favourites to top Group D at the 2026 World Cup, but Turkey and Paraguay are both expected to challenge strongly for qualification places.

Brazil are strong favourites to top Group C at the 2026 World Cup, while Scotland and Morocco battle for what could become a crucial qualification spot.

Switzerland head into Group B as favourites at the 2026 World Cup, but co-hosts Canada are expected to challenge strongly for top spot on home soil.