The greatest show on earth is just around the corner and football fans across the globe can't wait for the World Cup to get underway.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, there's more action than ever to feast on across 12 groups.
The battle to finish top will be intense so we're running the rule over each section to pick who we fancy to sit at the summit.
And if you're planning on taking a punt, make sure you check out our guide to the best World Cup betting apps.
Group A
Co-hosts Mexico will be hoping home advantage can give them the edge in what looks like being a competitive group.
South Korea and the Czech Republic look set to offer the Mexicans most resistance while South Africa will be out to spring a few surprises.
Odds to win Group A (Bet365)
- Mexico 10/11
- South Korea 3/1
- Czech Republic 3/1
- South Africa 12/1
- MTF pick: Mexico
Group B
Canada also have home advantage in Group B and look good to top the section after assembling their strongest ever squad for a World Cup.
But it's Switzerland who are favourites, with Qatar and Bosnia both written off by the bookies.
Odds to win Group B (Bet365)
- Switzerland 8/11
- Canada 9/4
- Bosnia 4/1
- Qatar 33/1
- MFT pick: Canada
Group C
Scotland are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and it's deja vu for the Tartan Army as they take on Brazil and Morocco again.
The samba stars are hot favourites for this section but Morocco could push them close, with Haiti likely to be whipping boys.
Odds to win Group C (Bet365)
- Brazil 1/5
- Morocco 5/1
- Scotland 12/1
- Haiti 100/1
- MFT pick: Brazil
Group D
This is the USA's party and they'll be determined to top their section but Turkey look to have a team packed with more talent.
Paraguay and Australia could also be tough teams to beat in what looks like one of the most competitive groups at the finals.
Odds to win Group D (Bet365)
- USA 11/8
- Turkey 7/4
- Paraguay 15/4
- Australia 7/1
- MTF pick: Turkey
Group E
Germany are hot favourites to top a section that sees them up against the Ivory Coast, Ecuador and minnows Curacao.
Ecuador probably have the best chance of topping Julian Nagelsmann's side but the Africans could also be a threat.
Odds to top Group E (Bet365)
- Germany 2/7
- Ecuador 4/1
- Ivory Coast 7/1
- Curacao 100/1
- MFT pick: Germany
Group F
This looks like being one of the most entertaining groups at the 2026 World Cup, with the Netherlands odds-on favourites to come out on top.
I wouldn't rule out a strong Japanese squad though while Sweden have enough talent in their attack to cause any side problems. Tunisia will do well to reach the knockouts.
Odds to top Group F (Bet365)
- Netherlands 8/11
- Japan 3/1
- Sweden 9/2
- Tunisia 7/1
- MTF pick: Japan
Group G
Few teams will be more motivated at the World Cup than Iran but they're 6/1 outsiders to top their group in front of hostile American crowds.
A talented Belgian side should be too strong in this section but Egypt's disciplined defence makes them contenders too. New Zealand are rank outsiders.
Odds to top Group G
- Belgium 4/11
- Egypt 9/2
- Iran 6/1
- New Zealand 20/1
- MFT pick: Belgium
Group H
European champions Spain look set to battle it out with Uruguay's dark horses for top spot in this section.
It would be a major surprise if Saudi Arabia or Cape Verde took anything off either of those big guns. It could come down to goal difference to see who hits the summit.
Odds to top Group H (Bet365)
- Spain 1/5
- Uruguay 4/1
- Saudi Arabia 20/1
- Cape Verde 40/1
- MFT pick: Spain
Group I
France probably have the strongest squad at the World Cup but Norway won all eight games in qualifying and have Erling Haaland as their trump card.
Senegal have a squad capable of causing either of those sides problems while Iraq will do well to avoid three heavy defeats.
Odds to top Group I (Bet365)
- France 2/5
- Norway 11/4
- Senegal 8/1
- Iraq 40/1
- MTF pick: France
Group J
Argentina are defending champions and should top a group that pits them against Austria, Jordan and Algeria.
But they did slip up against Saudi Arabia in the group stage four years ago and Austria's relentless pressing might cause the Argentines a few problems.
Odds to top Group J (Bet365)
- Argentina 1/3
- Austria 9/2
- Algeria 11/2
- Jordan 40/1
- MFT pick: Argentina
Group K
Portugal possess one of the most talented squads at the tournament and Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to lift the trophy at his last World Cup.
Colombia could push them close for top spot, though, with Uzbekistan and DR Congo unlikely to spring any shocks. It's another group that could be decided by goal difference.
Odds to top Group K (Bet365)
- Portugal 4/9
- Colombia 5/2
- DR Congo 10/1
- Uzbekistan 28/1
- MFT pick: Portugal
Group L
England are among the favourites to go all the way this summer and it would be a surprise if they failed to top their section.
However, Coatia have previous for upsetting the Three Lions while Ghana could also ruffle a few feathers. I'd be surprised if Panama ended up with any points.
Odds to top Group L (Bet365)
- England 2/7
- Croatia 7/2
- Ghana 10/1
- Panama 50/1
- MFT pick: England
World Cup 2022 Coverage
- What's coming up? View a list of upcoming World Cup Fixtures.
- Missed a match? Check out our World Cup Results for all the latest full-time goals.
- Think you know who will win outright? Then View our World Cup Odds comparison tables from top UK bookmakers.
- Betting Offer: We have collected world cup betting offers all in one place so you don't have to.
- Group by Group Betting Tips; Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F, Group G, Group H.
- World Cup Betting Tips; Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Group Stage Acca, Dark Horses and Outright Winners
- Highbet: Sportsbook and online casino with 30+ sports, 100's of betting markets and competitive betting odds.
KevinMac is a sports journalist with almost three decades of experience in the industry since starting out in 1997. He has covered games at every level, from Scottish Junior football to English Premier League games and internationals, and has been tipping for the MFT site since 2018.
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