The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off this week, marking the start of the expanded 48-team tournament. Every match is airing in the United States on FOX and FS1, with some free streams available abroad. On the prediction market front, France has emerged as the overwhelming favorite in Polymarket’s Group I betting, carrying a 77.5% probability.
Broadcast Details
U.S. viewers can catch all games on FOX or FS1, the official English-language broadcasters. International audiences in select countries have access to free streams, though the exact platforms vary by region. The tournament’s opening matches have already drawn strong viewership.
Prediction Market Favorite
Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, shows France leading Group I with a 77.5% chance to win the group. That figure reflects bettors’ confidence in a team that has been a perennial contender. No other team in Group I comes close in the current odds.
What the Odds Mean
While prediction markets aren’t guarantees, they aggregate the collective judgment of thousands of participants. France’s high probability suggests a broad consensus that the group is theirs to lose. The actual group standings will become clearer as the round-robin matches progress.
The tournament is still in its early stage. The next round of group games begins this weekend.
