⚽ Argentina World Cup 2026 Odds & Predictions: Can The Holders Repeat? Is Messi Injured?

If Messi is actually hurt, or struggling with load management, do the holders have a chance to repeat?
Argentina's Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez celebrate as we look at the Argentina World Cup odds.
Pictured: Argentina's Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez celebrate as we look at the Argentina World Cup odds. Photo by REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
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Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beating France on penalties in one of the most exciting finals of all time; can they repeat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Right now, one of the biggest questions surrounding the club is the actual status of Messi.  

If the superstar's "muscular fatigue" is something more nefarious, will that impact the Argentina World Cup odds? Even if he's full-go, can a 38-year-old actually lead his country to victory again? Can the dangerous youth of the squad make a push either way and pay off their +900 odds?


📊 Argentina World Cup odds 2026

The best World Cup betting sites will offer plenty of markets, but here are some of the best from DraftKings; odds updated May 26 and subject to change:

Market Odds Probability Profit ($10 bet)
To win outright (Champion) +900 10% $90
To reach final +425 19.05% $42.50
To reach semi final  +190 34.48% $19
To reach quarter final  +100 50% $10
To reach last 16 -250 71.43% $4

Stage of elimination

In a similar vein you can bet where a team will be eliminated as opposed to how far they'll advance in the tournament. 

Stage of elimination Odds Probability Profit ($10 bet)
Last 32 +160 38.46% $16
Last 16 +425 19.05% $42.50
Group Stage +2500 3.85% $250
Quarter-finals +425 19.05% $42.50
Semi-finals +500 16.67% $50
Runner-up +950 9.52% $95
Outright Winner +900 10% $90

🏆 Argentina World Cup 2026 predictions and best bets

Argentina to be eliminated in the last 16 (+425)

Argentina not finishing first in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan as their opponents would be shocking. That would set up a match with the second-placed team in Group H in the Round of 32. That's almost for sure going to be Uruguay. That's no cakewalk - Uruguay is the No. 17 team in the FIFA ranks - but it should be a game that Argentina gets past. The Round of 16? That's a whole different cakewalk. That looks like it could be a clash with Portugal. 

I won't go full unit on this type of wager - Argentina can absolutely make a run to the final stages of this tournament. But a clash with the fifth-ranked team in the world, Portugal, is certainly a real possible stumbling block. It's too tempting to get this price.


⚽ Argentina World Cup 2026 roster

Lionel Scaloni's squad hasn't been announced yet, which isn't a big surprise. The expected announcement is expected later this week, on May 28 or May 29. 

🩼 Is Messi actually injured?

Sorry teams are notorious for being cagey about injury reports, so when Messi left the Inter Miami game in the 73rd minute on 

Argentina's World Cup Group Stage schedule

Argentina's three games against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan are set for the following dates: 

  • June 16, 2026: vs. Algeria (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.)
  • June 22, 2026: vs. Austria (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
  • June 27, 2026: vs. Jordan (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)

❓ FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQ

Who is the favorite to win the World Cup?

Spain is the World Cup odds favorite, with odds of +450 at bet365. Those odds imply an 18.18% win probability. 

Who won the last World Cup?

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Where is the 2026 World Cup?

Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will host the 2026 World Cup, with 16 cities holding matches. The host cities are:

  • Toronto (Canada)
  • Vancouver (Canada)
  • Guadalajara (Mexico)
  • Mexico City (Mexico)
  • Monterrey (Mexico)
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Kansas City
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York / New Jersey
  • Philadelphia
  • Seattle
  • San Francisco / Bay Area

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is set to run from June 11, 2026, until the final on July 19, 2026.