The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Here is our complete tournament preview — groups, favourites, African teams and betting tips.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is days away. On Wednesday 11 June, Mexico open proceedings against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca — and then the greatest show in sport takes hold for the next five weeks. This edition is the first with 48 teams and 12 groups, hosted across three countries (USA, Canada and Mexico), and it promises to be the most expansive World Cup in history.
For Nigerian and Ghanaian fans, the emotional investment runs deep. Nigeria’s Super Eagles did not qualify — they were heartbreakingly knocked out by DR Congo on penalties in the CAF playoffs in November 2025. But the World Cup is the World Cup, and fans across West Africa will be following every match, every goal and every twist. Eight African nations have made it: Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and DR Congo. There is plenty to cheer.
This is our complete guide to the 2026 World Cup — groups, dark horses, title contenders and the best outright betting value available right now on Bet9ja, SportyBet and BetKing.
For the first time, the World Cup features 48 teams across 12 groups. Each group has four teams, with the top two qualifying automatically for the round of 32. The best eight third-placed teams also advance, making the group stage far more forgiving than previous editions.
For African nations, this is a significant shift. The expanded format means even a draw and a win could be enough to qualify from the group stage. Lesser-fancied teams like South Africa and DR Congo have a genuine pathway to the knockout rounds that simply did not exist at a 32-team tournament.
Group A features South Africa alongside Mexico (hosts), a European side and a CONCACAF qualifier. Mexico’s home advantage makes them the dominant force in this group, but Bafana Bafana’s defensive solidity gives them a fighting chance of advancing.
Group C contains Morocco alongside Brazil — arguably the standout clash of the group stage. Brazil’s injury disruptions and Morocco’s tournament experience make this group unpredictable.
Group F includes Tunisia, who face a tough assignment against European opposition and will need maximum points from their more accessible fixtures to progress.
Group G features Egypt, with Mo Salah as their talisman. Egypt’s group draw gives them a credible route to the round of 32 if Salah is fit and firing.
Group I has Senegal, who are among Africa’s strongest hopes. Sadio Mane’s international retirement has shifted the burden to a younger generation, but Senegal’s squad depth remains impressive.
Group J contains Algeria, who qualified powerfully through CAF and carry experience and quality in their midfield.
Group K features DR Congo — the team that denied Nigeria. They are a physical, disciplined side who can trouble anyone on their day.
Group L is Ghana’s group. The Black Stars face England, Croatia and Panama in a group that is winnable if Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams and the younger generation step up. See the full Ghana World Cup 2026 preview.
France (3.50 on Bet9ja): Kylian Mbappe is the best player in the world and France’s squad depth is unmatched. Tchouameni, Camavinga, Dembele, Giroud’s replacement up front — France have quality in every position. They are the deserved favourites.
England (5.00 on SportyBet): Jude Bellingham has emerged as the defining midfield talent of his generation. Alongside Saka, Foden, Kane and a resolute defence, England enter with genuine belief. The pressure of expectation has lessened and this squad looks better equipped than any in a generation.
Brazil (5.50 on BetKing): Even with injury concerns, Brazil’s raw quality — particularly Vinicius Jr — makes them a constant threat. The Seleção have waited too long for this and Dorival Junior has built a cohesive unit around Vinicius.
Spain (6.00 on Bet9ja): La Roja’s possession-based model with Yamal, Pedri, Morata and a deep squad remains one of the most complete systems in international football. Underestimate them at your peril.
Argentina (7.00 on SportyBet): The defending champions are not at peak 2022 level — Messi at 38 must be managed carefully — but Argentina’s winning mentality and tactical organisation under Scaloni make them dangerous in any knockout format.
Morocco (14.00): The 2022 semi-finalists have maintained their core and added quality. Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Regragui’s tactical intelligence make them a genuine contender to reach the last eight again. See the full Morocco World Cup 2026 hub.
Netherlands (10.00): Virgil van Dijk at his peak, combined with Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo, gives the Netherlands a strong platform. A favourable draw could carry them deep into the tournament.
Portugal (12.00): Even with Ronaldo in the twilight of his career, Portugal have genuine quality in Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha. They are dangerous in knockout football.
Senegal (50.00): The value outsider from Africa. Senegal’s squad has evolved since Qatar 2022 and they have the physical quality and defensive organisation to make life very difficult for any opponent. Full Senegal World Cup 2026 guide.
Kylian Mbappe (7.00 on Bet9ja): If France go deep — and they will — Mbappe will score goals. The PSG/Real Madrid striker is the standout top scorer pick.
Vinicius Jr (8.00 on SportyBet): If Brazil progress, Vinicius will be their primary route to goal. Excellent value at 8.00.
Erling Haaland (9.00 on BetKing): Norway’s qualification was hard-won but Haaland enters in peak form. If Norway can navigate the group stage, Haaland’s goal-scoring rate makes him live.
Mohamed Salah (16.00 on Bet9ja): If Egypt qualify from the group stage and Salah is fully fit, his ability to carry a team single-handed gives him an outside chance in the top scorer market. Full Egypt World Cup 2026 guide.
Eight African teams. The most Africa has ever sent to a World Cup. For Nigerian fans watching from the sidelines this time, the community of African nations makes every African match feel relevant.
Morocco and Senegal are the likeliest African teams to advance deep into the knockout rounds. Ghana have a pathway in Group L if Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams deliver. South Africa’s defensive resilience and Ronwen Williams in goal give Bafana Bafana a puncher’s chance.
Full guides for every African nation:
– Ghana | Morocco | Senegal | South Africa
– Egypt | Algeria | Tunisia | DR Congo
France to Win (3.50): The value at the top. France are the most complete squad and Mbappe is the decisive individual. Back them each-way to win.
Morocco to reach the Quarter-Finals (4.50 on BetKing): Morocco have already proven they can go this far. Their squad is experienced, their manager is astute and their group is navigable. This is excellent each-way value.
England to Win (5.00): A 60-year wait ends here? England’s squad is arguably the best in their history and the window is now. At 5.00, they represent solid each-way value.
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Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
