In a surprising turn of expert opinion, a Reuters survey of 160 economists has tipped France to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, predicting they will defeat Spain in the final. This forecast places France at the forefront of global footballing predictions, edging out other strong contenders. The tournament, set to be the largest ever with 48 teams, will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Notably, five-time winners Brazil are anticipated to underperform, a stark contrast to their historical dominance.

Economists involved in the survey highlighted that while football predictions remain more challenging than economic forecasting, France's current squad and recent performance give them a strong edge. Cathal Kennedy, a senior economist at RBC, noted that France's squad, a blend of experienced players reaching their peak and emerging talent, is "well equipped to go one better" after their disappointment in the 2022 final. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, is also on the cusp of history, with a potential to become the first coach since 1938 to win two World Cups, having already lifted the trophy as a player in 1998.

Betting platforms generally align with these expert predictions, with France consistently ranked among the top favorites. Odds suggest a close competition, with Spain and England also strong contenders. Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to be a standout player, with predictions favoring him for both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards. His individual brilliance, alongside a strong supporting cast, underpins much of the confidence in France's prospects.

The 2026 World Cup is also poised to be the most expensive to date, with fans likely to face significant costs for tickets, accommodation, and travel. Organizers are preparing for a record-breaking financial event, even as economists remain more certain about these financial pressures than the ultimate outcome of the tournament itself.