<p>It is one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar in 2026 and the countdown is already on for the FIFA World Cup.</p> <p>Shaping up as one of the biggest World Cups ever with its expanded 48 team format, the tournament gives punters more opportunities than ever to bet on the world game.</p> <p>Sportsbet presents its FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Guide with all the key information and common questions answered to help you understand how to bet on the upcoming tournament across North and Central America.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament Format &amp; Overview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This will be the first time the tournament is staged across three nations.</p> <p>The tournament begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19. The 2026 event features an expanded field of 48 teams, an increase from the traditional 32, and the total number of matches will rise from 64 to 104.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>FIFA World Cup 2026 Key Dates &amp; Venues</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the first game set to be played at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.</p> <p>The Final is slated to be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Matches will be played across 16 different cities: 11 in the US, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Participating Teams in FIFA World Cup 2026</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Following teams have secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026*:</p> <p><strong>Co-hosts:</strong> Canada, Mexico, USA.</p> <p><strong>AFC</strong>: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan.</p> <p><strong>CAF: </strong>Algeria, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.</p> <p><strong>CONMEBOL:</strong> Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.</p> <p><strong>OFC:</strong> New Zealand.</p> <p><strong>UEFA:</strong> England, France, Croatia, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal.</p> <p>* = 34 of 48 teams qualified at the time of writing&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Qualification Overview</h3> <p>The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32. The allocation of spots per confederation is as follows:​</p> <p>-UEFA (Europe): 16 spots</p> <p>-CAF (Africa): 9 spots</p> <p>-AFC (Asia): 8 spots</p> <p>-CONMEBOL (South America): 6 spots</p> <p>-CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): 6 spots (including 3 for host nations)</p> <p>-OFC (Oceania): 1 spot</p> <p>-Intercontinental Play-offs: 2 spots​</p> <h2>How to Bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sportsbet will offer a wide range of FIFA World Cup betting markets in 2026. Popular markets include the following:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Outright Winner:&nbsp;</h3> <p>Bet on the team to win the tournament.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Top Goalscorer:</h3> <p>Wager on the player who will score the most goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Group Winners:&nbsp;</h3> <p>Predict which team will top each group.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Bets:&nbsp;</h3> <p>Standard bets on individual match outcomes (win, lose, draw).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Prop Bets:&nbsp;</h3> <p>Specific events within a match, such as the number of corners, cards, or specific player performances.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Live Betting:&nbsp;</h3> <p>Place bets in real-time as matches unfold, offering dynamic odds and opportunities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>2026 FIFA World Cup Betting Guide:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are different ways for punters to bet at next year's FIFA World Cup. Sportsbet has listed some of the most important factors to consider when you are placing a bet.</p> <p><strong>Research Team Form:</strong> Analyse recent performances in qualifiers and friendly action. Also take note of individual player form in the season prior to the tournament.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Monitor Injuries: </strong>Along with tracking player performances and form, make notes of any injuries and absences. Key absences can significantly impact outcomes.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Consider Group Dynamics: </strong>Look at the draw! Some groups might be more competitive and exciting and some others might have some good value!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>FAQ’s about the 2026 FIFA World Cup</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>When is the 2026 World Cup Taking Place?</h3> <p>The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026. Matches will be held across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>How Can I Buy Tickets for the 2026 World Cup?</h3> <p>Tickets will be sold directly through FIFA’s official website. Sales are expected to begin in phases from late 2025. Fans are encouraged to register for updates via FIFA's ticketing portal to be notified when applications open.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Where Can I Watch the 2026 World Cup?</h3> <p>Broadcast rights vary by region. For Australian viewers, SBS will be the exclusive free-to-air broadcaster for football fans in Australia. SEN Radio will have the radio broadcast rights to Australia.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p>