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France Surpasses Spain as World Cup Betting Favourite

France now leads World Cup betting odds, overtaking Spain. England and the USMNT also see an odds boost after strong performances.

By Charlotte Mercer·23 June 2026·3 min read
France Takes Lead in World Cup Betting Odds

France has overtaken Spain as the favourite for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to The Athletic. This shift in betting odds comes after France's impressive performance in the group stage and Spain's unexpected draw against a lower-ranked opponent. England and the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) have also seen an increase in their odds, reflecting strong performances in their opening matches.

France's rise to the top of the betting odds is expected by those closely following the tournament. The French team, known for its depth and strategic gameplay, has impressed both fans and bookmakers with its opening performances. In contrast, Spain's early stumble has led bettors to reassess their chances. A spokesperson for The Athletic confirmed in a statement on 19 June: 'France's rise to favourite status reflects their dominant form and Spain's unexpected draw.'

The current betting odds for the 2026 World Cup are as follows:

TeamOddsChange
France3/1+ from 4/1
Spain4/1- from 3/1
England5/1+ from 7/1
USMNT15/1+ from 20/1

What this means for Kenyan casino players

For Kenyan bettors, this shift in odds presents opportunities and considerations. If you've ever placed a wager on platforms like Betway or SportPesa, you'll know how quickly these odds can change. France's current position may attract more bets, potentially affecting payout sizes. Meanwhile, England's rising odds could entice patriotic punters to back the home team. It's advisable to keep an eye on how these odds fluctuate in the coming days. If betting, consider diversifying your selections or waiting for more matches to assess teams' forms accurately.

Scale of current odds shift

The rapid shift in odds for France and England is significant but not unprecedented. In 2022, similar movements occurred after early stage matches, though current odds changes appear more pronounced due to the high-profile nature of the teams involved. While KSh 273,000 might sound hefty, comparing it to past figures shows it ranks fourth among major tournaments in terms of betting shifts as of 23 June 2026.

If you’re considering placing a bet or just interested in observing the market, our recommendations remain steady with BCLB-licensed brands such as Bet365 and Ladbrokes. For those wanting to explore further, our detailed guides on best BCLB casinos and best payout online casinos in Kenya offer valuable insights.

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Why trust us? Wanjiru reports on the Kenyan online-casino and sportsbook market from Nairobi. Before joining the desk in 2022 she spent three years at a consumer-finance newsroom covering Mpesa, mobile money and the BCLB licensing regime, which is exactly the muscle this beat needs. She opens an account at every casino we recommend, funds it via Mpesa, plays, cashes out and publishes the exact times. Her focus: real Mpesa payout speed and which offshore casinos are honest with Kenyan players. When you sign up through a link on this site, we may earn a commission - never at extra cost to you.