It's early, 188 days early, before the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) on June 11, 2026. However, the tournament picture is now much clearer after Friday's draw designated those that have qualified -- and several others that still need to officially earn their spot -- into the group stage. A massive and necessary step in helping to prognosticate which sides from around the globe stand the best chance of advancing into the knockout round, if not winning their group outright.
Here are a pair of premature best bets for value to consider well ahead of launch.
Note: Odds provided by DraftKings and subject to change.
Morocco to win Group C (+450)
Pitted against Brazil, Haiti and Scotland in the group stage, Morocco is heavily favored to advance to the knockout round. Whether they're able to finish ahead of the historical powerhouse from South America is the more pressing question. Walid Regragui's side has skyrocketed through FIFA's men's rankings since 2016 and sits 11th in the world, only six spots behind Brazil, while Scotland are designated 36th and Haiti rank 84th.
The first African nation to reach the semifinals four years ago in Qatar, Morocco are teeming with experienced, talented players such as captain Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), defender Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer Leverkusen) and striker Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe). The addition of Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz -- who switched from representing Spain to Morocco in 2024 -- only strengthens a dangerous side that has won a record 16 straight matches in international competition, including World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.
There's also the element of consistency Regragui brings to the Atlas Lions. Hired just months before the last World Cup finals in Qatar, the 50-year-old has been able to systematically build on that success. To great positive effect, judging from the side's recent record.
Meanwhile, Brazil finished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying -- behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay -- with an 8-4-5 record. Under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, the most decorated country in World Cup history will be challenged to finish at the top of the table against an African side that appears well-built and prepared for the task.
Long-shot special: Australia to lose all Group D games (+950)
Though predicting that a nation of reasonable quality won't even eke out a draw in the preliminary round seems like a large leap, that's why the odds in this case are so attractive. For these purposes, let's work under the assumption that favorites Türkiye emerge victorious from the UEFA Playoff C bracket -- which won't be determined for a few months -- as the fourth Group D side. Australia are set to battle the host United States and South American sleeper Paraguay. After losing to Bahrain in qualifying -- under former coach Graham Arnold, mind you -- the Socceroos have proved capable of falling to a truly inferior side, which they won't be facing in June.
Tony Popovic's squad ranks third in Group D in FIFA's world rankings, 26th overall, behind the U.S. (14th) and Türkiye (25th). Although Paraguay sit back in 39th, the South American side is listed on DraftKings at 150-1 to win the entire tournament, while the Aussies are at 500-1. That's a significant and fascinating gap -- one worth considering if interested in playing some long odds months ahead of kickoff.