World Cup 2026

The greatest show on Earth returned this year with more teams and matches than ever before. At LiveScore Bet, players can explore World Cup live betting odds with popular markets, props, and outright options, as well as ample responsible gambling tools.

Read on to learn about the new tournament format, pre-match and live betting options, football World Cup betting offers, and our intuitive mobile apps.

2026 World Cup: Your Key Questions Answered

Before you bet on the World Cup, let’s take you through the key changes that FIFA has introduced for the 2026 tournament. Below, you’ll learn more about the new 48-team format and details on when and where this year’s tournament is taking place.

When and Where is the 2026 World Cup Taking Place?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This is the first time in history that the tournament is co-hosted by three separate nations, with 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

How Does the New 48-Team Tournament Format Work?

Whether you're choosing pre-match sports betting markets or World Cup live betting options, here are some key changes in the new 48-team format you should keep in mind:

• The Group Stage: Teams are split into 12 groups (A to L). Every team plays three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout phase. The eight best third-place teams also advance.
• The New Knockout Phase: Begins with the opening round of 32, then proceeds to the round of 16, quarter-finals, semis, third-place play-off, and final.
• Match Volume: There are 104 matches this year, with semi-finalists playing eight matches instead of the historical seven.

Which Teams Have Qualified for the Tournament?

Alongside the three host nations, 45 teams have competed for their places. Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curacao are making their World Cup debut. Key teams to follow include the reigning champion Argentina, as well as France, Spain, England, and Germany.

What is the Schedule for the Group and Knockout Stages?

Mexico and South Africa kicked off this year’s tournament. The group stage ends on June 27, and the knockout stage will be played from June 28 to July 19. Keep the fixture schedule on your phone to follow and bet on World Cup 2026 matches.

Pre-Match Betting: Outright and Match Odds

At LiveScore Bet, you can explore outright and special markets, as well as find pre-match odds on individual matches and international friendlies. Below are the available options to bet on the World Cup.

Betting on the Tournament Winner

In the football World Cup betting section, you’ll find the “Outrights & Specials” tab with odds for every team to win the tournament outright.

Exploring Odds for Individual Matches

In the “Matches” tab, there are odds to bet on World Cup matches from start to finish. There are odds for half/full-time results, goalscorers, corners, cards, shots, stats, as well as handicaps, specials, and bet builder.

Understanding Different Market Types

Below are some of the most popular football World Cup betting markets available at LiveScore Bet:

• 1x2: Bet on the winner (1 or 2), or a draw (x).
• Double Chance: Combine 1x, x2, or 12.
• First Goal: Bet on a player to score the first goal of the game.
• Total Goals: Predict whether the total goals will be over or under the set number.
• Goalscorer: Bet on the first and anytime goal scorers.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Bet that both teams will score in the match.
• Player Props: Individual players to score, assist, shoot, get booked, get fouled, etc.
• Draw No Bet: Get your stake back if the game ends in a draw.

You’ll find similar options across all football tournaments, whether you’re betting on the EPL or checking the Champions League odds.

Experience the Action with World Cup Live Betting

At LiveScore Bet, you can find World Cup live betting odds for sports bettors in the UK. You can track matches live, cash out during a match, and experience dynamic odds in real time.

Following the Action with In-Play Markets

When betting on World Cup football matches, you can track every game through the live betting interface. It includes historic stats, head-to-head stats, current odds, odds shifts, and a tracking screen to follow passes, possession, shots, goals, corners, etc.

Cashing Out Your Bets During a Live Game

When you bet on World Cup matches live, some bets may be cashed out before the match ends. Some live prop bets will also offer the option to cash out bets during a live game.

How Live Odds Fluctuate in Real Time

Live betting odds at LiveScore Bet are dynamic and change in real time based on events in the match. For instance, an early goal or a goal in the additional time can drastically change the match outcome and in-play odds.

Our Latest Football World Cup Betting Offers

While you bet on the World Cup this year, you can enjoy a sports welcome offer, free bets, special football World Cup betting offers, and other promotions, as well as a new substitution payout feature.

Your LiveScore Bet Welcome Offer

LiveScore Bet welcomes new users with a free bets and Bet Builder free bets offer. Free bets can be used to bet on popular football markets, including World Cup options, and other sports like tennis and horse racing.

How the New Substitution Payout Feature Works

When betting on World Cup football matches, bets stay active even after a substitution with our new Sub Payout feature. Your player-specific bets get automatically transferred to the incoming substitute with locked odds.

Claiming Free Bets and Other Promotions

Additional promos available are World Cup-exclusive VAR Payout and Bet Builder Money Back offers. At LiveScore Bet, we also offer free bets, ACCA promos, odds boosts, and more.

Betting on the Go with the LiveScore Bet Apps

Betting on World Cup football matches is easier with our iOS and Android apps. Use them for World Cup live betting odds and managing your account and limits.

How to Download and Navigate the Mobile Apps

To take part in football World Cup betting on the go, download and install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Managing Your Account and Safer Gambling Tools

In the account section, you can access your deposit and betting history. The menu also includes deposit limits, reality checks, cool-off, self-exclusion, and account closure to ensure a safe and responsible World Cup live betting experience.