Overview of the 2026 FIFA World Cup expectations and team valuations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, 2026, with an opening match between Mexico and South Africa. For the first time, 48 nations will participate in the tournament, which will conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. Opta’s supercomputer, based on 10,000 simulations, identifies Spain as the tournament favorite with a 16.1% chance of winning, followed by France (13%), England (11.2%), and Argentina (10.4%). While Football Meets Data simulations highlight potential final pairings, Opta provides data on tournament progression and continental performance, noting a 35.9% probability of a first-time winner. Separately, market analysis ranks France as the most valuable national team with a valuation exceeding 1.5 billion euros, ahead of England and Spain. Greece is ranked 25th globally in market value, with its roster estimated at 262.7 million euros. These projections and valuations highlight the competitive landscape as the global event approaches.