World Cup 2026 Qualifier Odds: Who is favourite to secure the final spots?

The 2026 World Cup is now just 203 days away, and 42 nations, including 12 from Europe, have already secured their place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada as they bid to become world champions.

Four European spots remain unclaimed, and sixteen teams will battle for them in a play-off style competition featuring eight semi-final ties and four finals. The winners of those finals will complete Europe’s qualification lineup.

The European semi-finals will take place on Thursday 26 March, with the finals the following Tuesday 31 March.

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World Cup 2026 European Qualifier Play Off Draw

Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland

Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania

Play-off Path C:
Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania

Play-off Path D:
Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-final: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Final: Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia

World Cup European Qualifiers Odds

Last updated 15:10 

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Who are the betting favourites to win the World Cup European Qualifiers?

Path A: Italy are the favourites to progress, priced at 4/5 to win the path.
Path B: Poland and Ukraine share favouritism, both at 7/4 to qualify.
Path C: Turkey lead the market at evens (1/1) to win Path C.
Path D: Denmark are the favourites to advance, also at evens (1/1).

Wales Odds To Qualify for the World Cup 2026

Wales are a best price of 8/5 (second favourites) with Ladbrokes to win Play off Path A.

Wales look to have the most inviting route of the three home nations, with both potential play-off ties set for Cardiff. They open against Bosnia and Herzegovina before a possible home final against Italy or Northern Ireland, and with their qualifying campaign ending in a 7–1 win, momentum and home support give them a genuine chance of reaching a second straight World Cup.

Ireland Odds To Qualify for the World Cup 2026

Ireland are a best price of 11/4 (third favourites) with Ladbrokes to win Play off Path D.

The Republic of Ireland face a tricky path but one that still offers hope. A tough trip to Czechia comes first, yet their dramatic qualifying wins over Portugal and Hungary have reignited belief. Victory would set up a Dublin final against Denmark or North Macedonia - a huge advantage as they chase a first finals appearance since 2002.

Northern Ireland Odds To Qualify for the World Cup 2026

Northern Ireland are a best price of 11/1 (betting outsiders) to win Play Off Path A.

Who has qualified already for the World Cup 2026?