Winner SF B1

World Cup 2026 Analysis

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a new expanded format with 48 teams, diverging from the previous 32-team structure. This expansion introduces a Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final. There is no official designation such as "SF B1" for a specific semi-final bracket in the tournament's format. The semi-finals will simply be two matches leading to the final.

Despite the absence of a specific "SF B1" bracket, several national teams are already being widely discussed as strong contenders to reach the semi-finals and ultimately win the FIFA World Cup 2026. These teams are consistently ranked among the favorites based on their current squad strength, recent performances, and historical success.

Top Prospects and Analysis:

• Spain: Currently considered a favorite, Spain boasts a wealth of talented young players and strong momentum, having won the 2024 European Championship. Their odds to win the World Cup are currently around +500.
• France: The 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up, France remains a formidable force with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé. They are consistently strong contenders with current betting odds at +500 or +600.
• Brazil: As the nation with the most World Cup titles, Brazil is always a strong candidate. They enter the tournament with a rejuvenated squad featuring stars like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Endrick, under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil's odds are around +600 or +650.
• Argentina: The defending champions from 2022, Argentina aims to retain their title. Led by Lionel Messi, who may be playing in his last World Cup, their squad combines experience with youthful energy. Their odds are typically around +800.
• England: With a strong squad and now under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, England will be looking to overcome previous tournament hurdles. They reached the Euro 2024 final and are considered a team with significant potential.
• Germany: Four-time World Cup winners, Germany will be relying heavily on their midfield with players like Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala. They are looking to rebound after not making it out of the group stage in the last two World Cups. Their odds are around +1100.
• Portugal: Fresh off a UEFA Nations League title, Portugal possesses a skilled squad with players in their prime. Cristiano Ronaldo might still contend for a spot, and their midfield strength, featuring Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, is notable. Their odds are around +1200.

Tournament Format Leading to the Semifinals:

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new Round of 32. From this point, the tournament becomes a single-elimination knockout stage, progressing through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and then the Semifinals. The winners of the two semi-final matches will then compete in the Final.

The semi-final matches are scheduled to be played on July 14 and July 15, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The final match will be held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Latest News:

As of December 2025, 42 of the 48 participating teams have qualified for the World Cup, with the final six spots to be decided through UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026. The draw for the group stage took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where qualified teams were assigned opponents and specific match locations. Host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, automatically qualified. Mexico is in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.