Football

And just like that, the FIFA World Cup is only a year away. Time flies, right?

🌎 For the first time, this iconic competition will be hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

As more teams compete, players and bettors encounter new challenges, as an increased number of games brings greater uncertainty. Platforms like 1win Korea ( site for 🇰🇷 punters ) provide a variety of markets for those looking to capitalise on the tournament's betting opportunities.

However, we’re also here to help. This guide will give you extra tips and strategies to score a mega bet.

Tournament overview: host countries, format changes, and key dates

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a historic milestone for football. It underscores FIFA's dedication to enhancing fan engagement across North America and expanding the tournament's global reach.

👍 The tournament's expansion from 32 to 48 teams brings a major format change, increasing the number of matches and adding greater unpredictability to the knockout stages.

The group stage will feature 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

With a longer and more physically demanding tournament, the new format adds complexity to team strategies.

Don't miss it! The cup kicks off on June 8, 2026, and concludes on July 8, 2026.

Favourites vs underdogs: who will shine?

With strong squads, world-class players, and top-notch tactical knowledge, Brazil, France, Argentina, and England have high odds and appeal. Let’s take a closer look at the squads.

• Brazil — Under stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Brazil remains a favourite because of their attacking power and deft midfield.
• France — France has Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga to see them dominate others.
• Argentina — Defending champions Argentina will rely on Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández to lead their effort.
• England — England also presents a serious threat with their golden generation that has the likes of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.

However, some underdogs may have surprisingly deep runs that offer good betting prospects. Here’s what you need to know:

• USA — Playing on home ground, the USA has a young and vibrant team with Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, who might guide them to their best-ever finish.
• Japan — Japan, with its orderly approach and rising players like Takefusa Kubo, could challenge more highly ranked teams.
• Canada — Driven by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Canada has the offensive firepower to create shocks in the group stage and beyond.

Factors such as current form, managerial tactics, squad depth, and injuries will heavily influence the tournament's outcome. Research and regular analysis is crucial for bettors, and you can find extra news on the 1Win official site.

Best betting markets for the FIFA World Cup 2026

There are many betting markets available on the FIFA World Cup that fit various approaches and risk levels. Betters on 1Win and other sportsbooks can explore several markets, including:

• Outright Winner
• Golden Boot
• Group Stage Bets
• Correct Score
• First Goal Scorer
• Over/Unders
• Live Betting

These markets include a variety of betting options, therefore enabling both expert and casual bettors to maximise their chances on the 1Win bet.

How the extended format will impact World Cup betting

With 48 teams competing, bettors must adjust their strategy to account for new factors.

More matches mean greater player fatigue, highlighting the importance of squad depth—teams like France and Spain, with strong benches, will cope better in the extended tournament.

The inclusion of lower-ranked teams also raises the chance of upsets, making underdog bets more exciting.

Stronger teams may also dominate weaker opponents, boosting over 2.5 goal markets.

The new structure, where top third-placed teams advance, may lead to tactical draws or result management, impacting both match outcomes and betting odds.

Smart bets on 1Win and other betting sites will depend on understanding team strategies and player fatigue. Brush up before you bet!

World Cup trends possibly to watch

Analysing past World Cup trends can provide valuable insights for shaping betting strategies for the upcoming tournament. Make a note of the following:

• Defensive teams perform well — Teams with solid defenses tend to succeed, making bets on under 2.5 goals and clean sheets profitable.
• Golden Boot winners come from deep-running teams — The top goal scorer often comes from a semifinal or finalist team, making player form and team progression key factors in wagering.
• Host nations tend to overperform — Given past performances, Canada, the USA, and Mexico are strong options for group stage bets, as host nations often exceed expectations.

Key World Cup betting strategies to win big

Though there are lots of betting opportunities in the 2026 World Cup, success calls for a well-researched approach. Here are key strategies to help you win big:

1. Research the teams

Smart betting rests on knowledge. Research each team's recent performance, key players, and head-to-head records before placing bets.

Brazil might, for example, excel in qualifying but struggle against disciplined European sides.

2. Analyse the group stage

Teams must qualify for the knockout rounds in the group stage.

While some groups are more competitive, others feature clear favourites. Player rotations against weaker opponents can lead to unexpected results.

Some teams may settle for draws to secure qualification, impacting odds and outcomes.

3. Pay attention to the odds

Betting odds are shaped by public behaviour and a team's perceived strength.

If a strong team's odds seem unusually high, it may indicate injuries, suspensions, or other issues. Avoid blindly backing favourites—upsets are frequent in high-pressure tournaments.

Instead, carefully analyse the odds and look for value bets where an underdog has a genuine chance of surprising a stronger opponent.

4. Study the players

Match decisions can also rely on individual performance.

Superstars like Kylian Mbappé or Vinicius Junior can single-handedly change a game, but don’t focus solely on big names—form matters. Players in top form at the club level are more likely to shine in the World Cup.

Newly discovered stars making their tournament debut can offer surprising betting value, as they often play with extra intensity and determination.

5. Understand the format of the tournament

A team’s approach to the competition is often shaped by the format.

The group stage offers some flexibility, but the knockout rounds intensify pressure, often leading to more defensive play and matches that go to extra time or penalties.

These factors impact draw bets, over/under wagers, and total goals markets.

6. Watch for key injuries

Injuries and suspensions can significantly impact team performance, even for the best squads.

Always check injury reports before betting, as a minor injury to a key player can lower their performance and affect the team’s overall strength.

7. Prioritise team chemistry

Although individual ability is vital, team chemistry usually determines success.

Strong leadership and well-balanced teams—like Croatia in 2018—can trump teams depending too much on star athletes.

A squad that plays as one tends to be more resilient under pressure, so it is a wise bet choice in tight matchups.

8. Consider the venue

Host countries often outperform expectations due to home support, familiar settings, and less travel fatigue. But there’s another catch—the climate.

Since the 2026 World Cup is in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, players must be ready for high altitudes or extreme heat. European teams may potentially struggle in hot, humid conditions.

But this all depends on the weather. So, don’t overlook the forecast.

Best apps for World Cup betting in Korea

For South Korean bettors, the success of their betting endeavours depends on the betting app and platform they use. The three best betting apps in Korea for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are listed here:

• 1Win Korea — A well-known app with reasonable odds, live betting, and special World Cup promos. For Korean bettors, the site is straightforward and enables several payment options, therefore facilitating convenience.
• Bet365 — One of the most globally recognised sportsbooks, Bet365 offers Korean gamers a fantastic option with its extensive array of betting markets, live streaming, and early cash-out features.
• 22Bet — As a strong competitor in the Korean market, 22Bet is known for its Asian handicap markets and extensive pre-match and in-play betting options. It supports several payment options, including cryptocurrencies.

Want to branch out? See more of the top sports betting sites now.

Last thoughts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a major event, offering plenty of betting opportunities and entertaining football.

Boost your chances of winning big by understanding the tournament structure, spotting potential underdogs, and using smart strategies starting today.

The World Cup comes once every four years—better to be prepared!

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