The 2026 World Cup is over, and fans are already turning their attention to the next edition of the tournament in 2030. Spain were crowned world champions for the second time in New Jersey on Sunday, beating Argentina in extra time at MetLife Stadium, courtesy of a well-taken goal from Ferran Torres.

Now, the focus shifts towards the next tournament and what could unfold. The World Champions are one of three countries that will predominantly host the competition, alongside Portugal and Morocco, in what is set to be the first iteration of the historic event that is played across multiple continents.

To commemorate the first-ever edition of the World Cup, 100 years prior to the 2030 tournament in 1930, hosts of that inaugural showpiece, Uruguay, will hold the first match in their capital city, Montevideo. Argentina and Paraguay will also host one match each.

What do the current odds say about who might claim the 24th World Cup title? Surprisingly, Argentina — despite reaching the 2026 World Cup final — are not the bookmakers’ favourites, as per Bet365.

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Croatia have seemingly run out the same players for what feels like hundreds of tournaments now. The likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric have carried this golden generation of Croats to a World Cup final and a World Cup semi-final, but surely won’t be about to lead them into the 2030 tournament. Their chances of winning the competition are subsequently slim, and the odds reflect that, pricing them at 125/1.

Mauricio Pochettino’s United States side enjoyed an improved tournament on home soil, but still aren’t fancied to go all the way in the next edition. They are priced at 80/1, alongside Uruguay, whose one home match won’t carry them to glory.

Turkey are the perennial dark horses, and the odds believe they stand in good stead to live up to this label in 2030, despite disappointing in 2026. The likes of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz will be seasoned pros the next time the tournament comes around, and this should put them in a good position to go far, even if they’re unlikely to emerge with the trophy.

The Turks are fancied at a similar level to Switzerland, who are priced at 66/1. The experienced European side have some blossoming youngsters, such as Johan Manzambi, who could have come into their own in four years’ time.

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The 15th favourites for world glory are Mexico. Buoyed by an exciting 2026 campaign on home soil, the Central American nation are primed to improve by the time the next tournament rolls around, with teenage sensation Gilberto Mora developing into an excellent player.

Japan find themselves in a similar position, priced at 66/1 alongside Mexico. The Asian team are missing a superstar to take them to high levels, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them add this calibre of player to their ranks before the next tournament.

Further down the market, Norway and Colombia are priced at 40/1. Both nations benefit from enjoying impressive 2026 campaigns, with the former reaching the quarter-finals and the latter a penalty shootout away from the same stage. Norway will still have Erling Haaland flying high in 2030, while Colombia may need to source an adequate replacement for star man Luis Diaz before then.

Rounding off this section is perpetual underperformers Italy. Failing to qualify for each of the last three tournaments, gli Azzurri will need to seriously improve what they’re doing in regards to developing players to even justify their 33/1 odds.

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Coming in at number ten is Belgium, also priced at 33/1. The Red Devils’ golden generation has come and gone, and they’ll surely be preparing for the 2030 tournament without any of their stars from the team that reached the semi-finals in 2018. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will likely be retired, and the next few years will therefore be imperative for the country at grassroots level, as they look to develop a new generation of superstars.

The Netherlands and Morocco played out an intense Round of 32 tie in the 2026 World Cup, with the game going all the way to penalties, and the odds reflect the closeness of the two sides in their current state. Both countries are fancied at 25/1, although the North African outfit may feel their chances of winning the tournament are greater than this, given it’ll be played on home soil.

The biggest shock from the bookmakers is that they only view Argentina as seventh favourites to win the tournament. La Albiceleste have reached the last two finals, although the scepticism in the odds likely stems from the fact that they probably won’t have Lionel Messi to call upon at this tournament. While you can never rule out the greatest player of all time, to still be playing for his nation at a World Cup at the age of 43 may be a step beyond what even he is capable of.

Germany are ranked as the sixth favourites to win the 2030 competition, priced at 10/1. Their embarrassing 2026 exit at the hands of Paraguay sets them back, and they’ll need to unearth some gems in the coming years to have a chance of competing in Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

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REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

England fans may be somewhat disappointed that they’re only ranked joint fourth to win the 2030 tournament, alongside Brazil at 8/1. The Three Lions keep producing exceptional players, with the depth at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal frightening for other nations. However, they’ll need to find a top-quality centre-back, as well as potentially a replacement for Harry Kane, before 2030 rolls around.

Brazil haven’t won a World Cup since 2002, but they continue to be earmarked as one of the favourites. They’re light on quality in certain positions as it stands, although they’re certainly capable of developing several more superstars within the next four years.

It may come as a shock to many that Portugal are deemed third favourites to win the 2030 World Cup. While boasting a rich history of exceptional players, the Selecao das Quinas have limited pedigree in the competition, not reaching a single final. However, they’ll be joint hosts in 2030, and this home advantage, as well as being freed from the shackles of Cristiano Ronaldo, could put them in a good position to finally win the tournament.

France are ranked as second favourites, priced at 6/1. The French’s outstanding production line of talent doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon, and they may be under the tutelage of Champions League-winning boss Zinedine Zidane at the next tournament.

Finally, Spain are tipped to retain their title and win their third World Cup, this time on home soil. Luis de la Fuente has already won back-to-back international tournaments, and he’ll be eager to build on this as he continues to grow his dynasty. La Roja are priced at 7/2.

Manchester United are still in the midst of completing their midfield rebuild and have been ‘tracking’ an in-demand Croatian midfielder.

Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were the first two new midfield signings to arrive at Old Trafford. The Red Devils forked out £83 million to hand Michael Carrick much-needed additions in the middle of the park.

United’s main priority has been replacing Casemiro following the veteran Brazilian’s departure. While they are thought to be preparing a £47m bid for AS Roma’s Manu Kone, they have also taken a liking to another Serie A star.

Man Utd Eyeing Martin Baturina

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

United are reportedly admirers of Como’s Martin Baturina and are keeping tabs on the Croat, who only joined Cesc Fabregas’ side last summer. His displays during the 2025-26 campaign have impressed not only the Red Devils but also Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

A report from Calciomercato claims that despite the arrivals of Tielemans and Santos, the Reds have “no intention of stopping” at their signings. Whether that means they are weighing up Baturina as a potential fourth midfield signing is unclear.

Baturina is an exciting creative midfielder who played a key role in Como’s UEFA Champions League qualification last season. He featured 34 times across competitions, registering eight goals and four assists for the Italian outfit.

With interest growing in the Croat, Como are believed to have placed an €80 million (£70 million) price tag on their playmaker. He joined the Serie A club from Dinamo Zagreb last July and the club’s higher-ups are only willing to sell for a fee they can’t refuse.

Man Utd Won’t be Prioritising Baturina

via Reuters

Baturina is proving to be a promising talent at the age of 23 and clearly has put the likes of United on notice. He’s already earned 23 caps for Croatia and appeared in all four of their World Cup games, including scoring in a 4-2 loss to England.

It’s unlikely that the Red Devils will view him as a priority, especially as his profile is more that of an attacking midfielder. Bruno Fernandes is staying put and could even sign a new deal.

Baturina therefore might be a player who is monitored next season should he stay at Como and not make a move elsewhere. The main focus for Carrick’s transfer chiefs seems to be Kone who feels more of a necessity given his physicality and ability to play in defensive and central midfield.

British sprinter Amy Hunt has welcomed the new camera guidelines for female athletics coverage, and believes that in order to feel comfortable when competing, females shouldn’t have to change their clothes.

New guidelines were recently released, with a focus on using more respectful camera angles when covering live female athletics events. The advice was given to broadcasters after being collated by the European Broadcasting Union and female athletes.

Hunt has given her thoughts on the new changes and how much of a step forward it is for both the athletes and broadcasters. Much has been made about the issue over the years, which makes this news all the more positive.

Rule Changes in Athletics Coverage

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Among the new guidelines, broadcasters will now avoid low camera angles underneath athletes in events such as the high jump and pole vault. Furthermore, lingering shots on bodies and excessive slow-motion replays are among the issues that are now looking to be removed from the events.

The new guidance could be in action by as early as the 10th of August as the BBC broadcasts the European Athletics Championships, which take place in Birmingham.

EBU Sport executive director Glen Kilane shared her thoughts on the problems, saying: “The sexualisation of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts.”

Amy Hunt Reacts to TV Angle Changes

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Hunt, who is a British sprinter and helped win silver in the relay race at the 2024 summer Olympics, provided her thoughts on the new suggestions, and how it is a huge step forward for the athletes.

She said: “I think when we were in London or maybe Doha, we had cameras in the blocks that female athletes flagged as potentially an issue.

Furthermore, she also felt that it’s important to ensure the athletes are as comfortable as possible, and aren’t having to worry about things like clothing or being sexualised.

She concluded: “It’s definitely a really welcome change to be able to just focus on the sport. We shouldn’t have to change what we are wearing in order to feel comfortable. I want to feel fast and powerful, I don’t want to feel like I’m in any way inhibited by my clothing.”