FIFA says World Cup preparation on track, betting markets tighten
With less than a month until kickoff, FIFA says preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico are entering the final stretch, as betting markets continue to take shape and organisers lock in major entertainment plans for the expanded tournament.
International betting sites have installed reigning champions Spain as favourites at around 5.50, ahead of France (6.00) and England (6.50), while Brazil and Argentina remain heavily backed contenders.
Co-hosts United States, Canada and Mexico are all expected to attract strong local betting support once the tournament begins on June 11 in Mexico City.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the three host nations were “working tirelessly” to ensure the biggest World Cup in history runs smoothly across all 16 host cities.
“Preparations are going actually extremely well. The excitement is really building,” Infantino said as final venue works continue across North America.
The 2026 tournament will be the most expansive FIFA World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, with more than six million fans expected to attend and an estimated six billion people engaging globally.
FIFA has also begun unveiling major entertainment plans around the tournament, including artists for opening ceremonies across the three host nations and the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show. The show will be produced in partnership with Global Citizen, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin helping curate performances for the final in New York, New Jersey on July 19.
“We are teaming up also with Global Citizen to produce the very first FIFA World Cup final halftime show,” Infantino said. “A Halftime Show with incredible artists, which will be announced very shortly as well.”
FIFA is additionally planning large-scale fan activations across Times Square in New York for the closing weekend, while Fan Festivals and public viewing sites are expected throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
New hybrid grass pitches are meanwhile being installed at several NFL stadiums ahead of the tournament as host venues prepare for the demands of elite international football.
Mexico will clash with South Africa in the World Cup opener on June 11, with El Tri favourites with football betting sites.
