The 2026 Six Nations kicks off this week - who is the betting favourites and what are the key dates?
The 2026 Six Nations gets under way with expectations high after last year’s record-breaking championship, which produced 101 tries across 15 matches.
France return as defending champions and deserved favourites, armed with home fixtures against England and Ireland and the return of Antoine Dupont. Fabien Galthié’s squad remains the deepest in the competition, even with notable omissions and injuries.
England look their strongest for years under Steve Borthwick, riding an 11-match winning run and showing greater attacking cohesion.
Ireland, champions in 2023 and 2024, begin with injury concerns but remain dangerous with Andy Farrell back in charge. Scotland sense opportunity with key players returning, Italy continue to narrow the gap on the traditional powers, and Wales enter a rebuilding campaign aiming to avoid another Wooden Spoon.
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Six Nations 2026 Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| France | 5/6 | Starsports |
| England | 13/5 | AKBets |
| Ireland | 15/2 | William Hill |
| Scotland | 14/1 | Unibet |
| Wales | 200/1 | SpreadEX |
| Italy | 200/1 | SpreadEX |
Six Nations 2026 Fixtures & Schedule
| Round / Date | Fixture | Venue | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 - Thu 5 Feb 2026 | France v Ireland | Stade de France, Paris | 8:10pm |
| R1 - Sat 7 Feb 2026 | Italy v Scotland | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | 2:10pm |
| R1 - Sat 7 Feb 2026 | England v Wales | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | 4:40pm |
| R2 - Sat 14 Feb 2026 | Ireland v Italy | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 2:10pm |
| R2 - Sat 14 Feb 2026 | Scotland v England | Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh | 4:40pm |
| R2 - Sun 15 Feb 2026 | Wales v France | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | 3:10pm |
| R3 - Sat 21 Feb 2026 | England v Ireland | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | 2:10pm |
| R3 - Sat 21 Feb 2026 | Wales v Scotland | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | 4:40pm |
| R3 - Sun 22 Feb 2026 | France v Italy | Decathlon Arena, Lille | 3:10pm |
| R4 - Fri 6 Mar 2026 | Ireland v Wales | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 8:10pm |
| R4 - Sat 7 Mar 2026 | Scotland v France | Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh | 2:10pm |
| R4 - Sat 7 Mar 2026 | Italy v England | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | 4:40pm |
| R5 - Sat 14 Mar 2026 | Ireland v Scotland | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 2:10pm |
| R5 - Sat 14 Mar 2026 | Wales v Italy | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | 4:40pm |
| R5 - Sat 14 Mar 2026 | France v England | Stade de France, Paris | 8:10pm |
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Who is the betting favourite to win the Six Nations?
France (5/6 – Starsports)
Defending champions France enter 2026 as clear favourites. They scored a record 30 tries last year, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s eight tries setting a single-tournament record. Antoine Dupont returns from a knee injury, and despite the absence of Uini Atonio, Fabien Galthié has built unmatched squad depth, leaving even stars like Damian Penaud out. Home fixtures against England and Ireland further strengthen their title defence, and history backs them: France have lifted the post-Lions Six Nations title five times since 1995, more than any other nation.
England (13/5 – AKBets)
Steve Borthwick’s England are arguably at their strongest since 2020, riding an 11-game winning streak. With young back-rowers Henry Pollock and Guy Pepper breaking through, plus dangerous backs like Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, England combine attacking flair with growing cohesion. Their main hurdle remains history: England have never won a post-Lions Six Nations since 1963. Still, a final-round showdown in Paris looms as a potential Grand Slam decider, and an attacking average of five tries per game in 2025 shows they can match France’s firepower.
Ireland (15/2 – William Hill)
Ireland have won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 but face injury issues in key positions, including three front-line loosehead props. Fly-half selection remains unsettled, with Leinster’s Harry Byrne pushing for a starting spot. Tough early games away to France and England test their resilience, but Andy Farrell’s experienced squad has shown it can thrive under pressure. History suggests Ireland can perform post-Lions, having claimed the title twice since 1995 in such seasons.
Scotland (14/1 – Unibet)
Gregor Townsend’s Scotland have struggled for consistency, finishing fourth in the last two tournaments. However, returning Lions Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu add quality, and early fixtures against Italy, England, and Wales could provide momentum. On paper, Scotland have arguably their strongest squad in years, giving them a rare outside chance at a title if they avoid early slip-ups.
Wales (200/1 – SpreadEX)
Wales begin a transitional Six Nations under Steve Tandy, aiming to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon. Home games against Scotland and Italy offer opportunities, but injuries bite: captain Jac Morgan misses the start with a dislocated shoulder. Louis Rees-Zammit provides attacking spark, but Wales’ odds reflect the uphill battle against top-tier opposition.
Italy (200/1 – SpreadEX)
Italy continue to improve steadily under Gonzalo Quesada but remain outsiders. Their sole win last year came against Wales, and the final-round clash in Cardiff could again decide the Wooden Spoon. Key talent like Tommaso Menoncello offers hope, but they lack the depth to seriously challenge the traditional Six Nations powers.
