The 2026 World Cup is over, and Spain are champions. The first 48-team tournament ran 12 groups of four, with the top two in each plus the eight best third-placed teams reaching a new 32-team knockout round. This page now records how all 12 groups finished, with final points per team, and explains how group-stage betting markets work so the guide carries through to the next tournament in 2030. Neither the Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland qualified, so Irish interest centred on Scotland in Group C and England in Group L. You must be 18 or over to bet.
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The operators compared here hold offshore licences and are not authorised by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). They are shown for comparison only. Since 1 July 2026, remote betting operators serving Irish customers require a GRAI licence, and the lawful route for an Irish bettor is a GRAI-licensed operator; Irish-licensed names accepting online bets include Paddy Power, BoyleSports, bet365, Betfair, Ladbrokes, BetVictor and William Hill. Check the current GRAI register at grai.ie before signing up.
Best Bookmakers for World Cup Group Stage Betting in Ireland
The operators below offered deep group-stage coverage across the 2026 tournament, from group-winner and to-qualify markets to bet builders and in-play. They hold offshore licences and are not authorised by the GRAI, so they are shown for comparison; check the GRAI register at grai.ie before signing up anywhere.
RoyalistPlay
18+ | New players only | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | www.gambleaware.org
RoyalistPlay provided strong coverage of World Cup group winner markets, with a particular focus on Scotland’s Group C fixtures. Punters could access dynamic live in-play odds during matches and enjoy an intuitive mobile experience designed for placing bets on the go. Operating under an offshore Anjouan licence, the platform supported a massive variety of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Revolut, Skrill, Neteller, and crypto.
Directionbet
18+ | New players only | Wagering, banking, T&C apply.| www.gambleaware.org
Directionbet delivered an impressive depth of Scottish football markets alongside live group winner odds for the World Cup. Punters could take advantage of a dedicated acca builder specifically for the group stage and explore a wide range of ‘to-qualify’ markets. Operating via an Anjouan licence under Bellona N.V. shared ownership, the site accepted payments through Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity, and CashtoCode.
FestivalPlay
For those seeking competitive World Cup group odds, FestivalPlay provided a solid platform complete with an easy-to-use bet builder. Punters could access extensive live betting options during key Scotland and England matches, all delivered through a smooth and responsive mobile app. Licensed offshore in Curaçao, this bookmaker accommodated a broad spectrum of payments, including traditional cards, Revolut, e-wallets, and major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
LegendPlay
18+ | New players only | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | www.gambleaware.org
LegendPlay stood out for its sheer breadth of World Cup markets and its excellent live in-play betting depth. The platform was designed for strategic betting, allowing punters the flexibility of cash-out availability on their group stage wagers. Regulated under an offshore Anjouan licence, LegendPlay facilitated easy deposits and withdrawals through Mastercard, Skrill (including 1-Tap), Neteller, Paysafecard, MiFinity, CashtoCode, and Bitcoin.
BetAlright
18+ | New players only | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | www.gambleaware.org
BetAlright stood out with a fantastic selection of group winner markets and comprehensive coverage of both Scottish and English fixtures. While it did not offer a dedicated app, punters could still enjoy a highly smooth and intuitive experience via the mobile browser. Operating offshore with an Anjouan licence via Rabidi N.V., the platform accepted popular and convenient payment options, including Apple Pay, PayPal, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafecard.
Treasure Spins
18+ | New players only | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | www.gambleaware.org
Treasure Spins was a solid choice for punters looking to combine group winner markets with the ability to easily build accumulator bets. A major draw of this platform was the availability of live streaming for selected matches, enhancing the in-play betting experience. Operating under an offshore Curaçao licence, it boasted a huge list of payment options ranging from Bank Transfers, Visa, and Mastercard to e-wallets like Jeton and a wide array of cryptocurrencies.
22BET
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Finally, 22BET provided incredible group market depth, offering highly competitive World Cup odds—especially for smaller groups like G, H, J, and K. Punters could engage with a massive volume of live in-play markets as the tournament progressed. Managed by TechSolutions Group under an offshore Curaçao licence, 22BET supported swift transactions through VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and Litecoin.
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Please note that credit cards aren’t allowed to be used to fund sportsbook accounts according to GRA 2024 s.165.
How the 12 Groups Finished
Every group is shown below on final points and goal difference, with how each side’s tournament went from there. The top two in each group qualified automatically, and the eight best third-placed teams filled the Round of 32.
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 9 | +6 | Won group, reached Round of 16 |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | -1 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | South Korea | 3 | -1 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | Czechia | 1 | -4 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group B
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 7 | +4 | Won group, reached quarter-finals |
| 2 | Canada | 4 | +5 | Qualified 2nd, reached Round of 16 |
| 3 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 4 | -1 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | Qatar | 1 | -8 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group C
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 7 | +6 | Won group, reached Round of 16 |
| 2 | Morocco | 7 | +3 | Qualified 2nd, reached quarter-finals |
| 3 | Scotland | 3 | -3 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | Haiti | 0 | -6 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group D
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 6 | +4 | Won group, reached Round of 16 |
| 2 | Australia | 4 | 0 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Paraguay | 4 | -2 | Qualified as best third, reached Round of 16 |
| 4 | Turkiye | 3 | -2 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group E
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 6 | +6 | Won group, reached Round of 32 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 6 | +2 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Ecuador | 4 | 0 | Qualified as best third |
| 4 | Curacao | 1 | -8 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group F
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 7 | +6 | Won group, reached Round of 32 |
| 2 | Japan | 5 | +4 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Sweden | 4 | 0 | Qualified as best third |
| 4 | Tunisia | 0 | -10 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group G
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 5 | +3 | Won group, reached quarter-finals |
| 2 | Egypt | 5 | +2 | Qualified 2nd, reached Round of 16 |
| 3 | Iran | 3 | 0 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | New Zealand | 1 | -5 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group H
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 7 | +5 | Won group, WON THE TOURNAMENT |
| 2 | Cape Verde | 3 | 0 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Uruguay | 2 | -1 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 1 | -4 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group I
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 9 | +8 | Won group, finished 4th overall |
| 2 | Norway | 6 | +1 | Qualified 2nd, reached quarter-finals |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 | +1 | Qualified as best third |
| 4 | Iraq | 0 | -6 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group J
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 9 | +7 | Won group, runners-up overall |
| 2 | Austria | 4 | 0 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Algeria | 4 | -2 | Qualified as best third |
| 4 | Jordan | 0 | -5 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group K
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 6 | +3 | Won group, reached Round of 16 |
| 2 | Portugal | 4 | +5 | Qualified 2nd, reached Round of 16 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 4 | +1 | Eliminated in group stage |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 0 | -7 | Eliminated in group stage |
Group L
| Pos | Team | Pts | GD | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 7 | +4 | Won group, finished 3rd overall |
| 2 | Croatia | 6 | 0 | Qualified 2nd |
| 3 | Ghana | 4 | 0 | Qualified as best third |
| 4 | Panama | 0 | -4 | Eliminated in group stage |
How World Cup Group Stage Betting Works
Group-stage betting covers the opening round, where teams play a round-robin and punters back match results, group winners, or qualification outcomes. The odds reflect each team’s strength, form, and the shape of the group. These markets work the same way every tournament, so the guidance here applies straight to 2030.
The 48-Team Format and Why It Matters for Betting
The tournament expanded from 32 teams to 48, creating more group-stage matches and more betting opportunities. The table below sets the two formats side by side.
| Feature | 2022 (Qatar) | 2026 (USA / Canada / Mexico) |
|---|---|---|
|
Teams |
32 |
48 |
|
Groups |
8 of 4 |
12 of 4 |
|
Who qualifies |
Top 2 per group |
Top 2 per group plus 8 best third-placed |
|
After the groups |
Round of 16 |
Round of 32 (new stage) |
|
Group matches per team |
3 |
3 (unchanged) |
|
Group-winner markets |
8 |
12 |
The key change for bettors is the best-third-placed rule: eight of the twelve third-placed teams advanced, so fewer sides went home early and the to-qualify market shortened for many mid-tier nations, who no longer needed a top-two finish. Draws and goal difference carried more weight in tight groups, and 2026 bore that out, with Senegal advancing from third on goal difference and Paraguay going through as a best third-placed side.
Key Group-Stage Markets Explained
| Market | What It Is |
|---|---|
|
Group winner |
Back a team to finish top of its group, settled regardless of the overall tournament result. |
|
To qualify |
Back a team to reach the knockouts, by finishing top two or as a best third-placed side. |
|
Group top scorer |
Back the player with the most goals within a single group. |
|
Match betting (1X2) |
Back a home win, draw or away win over 90 minutes. |
|
Both teams to score |
A yes/no market on both teams scoring in a match. |
|
Over/Under goals |
Back more or fewer than a set number of goals, commonly 2.5. |
|
Accumulator |
Combine several selections into one bet; all must win, odds multiply. |
|
Bet builder |
Combine multiple markets from the same match, such as result, goals and scorers. |
|
In-play / live |
Bet on matches as they unfold, with odds updating in real time. |
For a wider look at wagering options, see our guide to types of sports bets explained, and use our betting calculators to work out potential returns.
What the Groups Told Us for Next Time
A few 2026 group-stage lessons carry into 2030 betting. The best-third-placed route rewarded backing stronger sides to qualify from tough groups even at a discount, since a fancied team could finish third and still progress. Host advantage was real in the group stage, with all three co-hosts, the USA, Mexico and Canada, advancing.
And, the group of death label was earned in Group I, where France, Norway and Senegal all came through a section that also contained Iraq, with Norway going on to reach the quarter-finals and knock out Brazil. Scotland, the main Irish watch in Group C, went out in the group stage in a section won by Brazil ahead of Morocco, who themselves reached the quarter-finals.
Scotland’s Group C, The Irish Viewer’s Main Hook
With Ireland and Northern Ireland both missing from the 2026 World Cup, Scotland became the primary betting interest for Irish punters. Steve Clarke’s side reached their first World Cup since 1998, and Group C was one of the most closely followed sections for Irish viewers, drawn against Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
Scotland finished third in Group C on three points and did not advance, in a group where Brazil finished top and Morocco went through in second before reaching the quarter-finals. Handed a demanding draw, Scotland went in as clear outsiders to top the group, and that is how it played out. ROI and Scotland have long-standing ties, and Irish fans tuned in live, with Scottish internationals regularly carried by Irish broadcasters. Two of Scotland’s group matches kicked off at 11 pm Irish time, making them easy to follow from the sofa, and Scotland v Brazil in particular drew strong interest across Ireland.
| Matchday | Fixture | Kick-off (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD1 | Haiti v Scotland | 2am IST (overnight for Irish viewers) | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA |
| MD2 | Scotland v Morocco | 11pm IST, 19 June | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA |
| MD3 | Scotland v Brazil | 11pm IST, 24 June | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami FL |
Betting takeaways from Scotland’s run
Scotland’s third-placed finish is a useful case study for the 2030 to-qualify market. Under the eight-best-third-placed rule, Scotland did not necessarily need a top-two finish to go through, which is why the to-qualify price was worth comparing across Irish bookmakers early, before public interest shortened it. In the event, three points and a negative goal difference were not enough, a reminder that in tight groups the best-third-placed race is decided on goal difference and goals scored, so margins matter.
The 11pm IST kick-offs made Scotland v Morocco and Scotland v Brazil natural live-betting windows for Irish punters at home. Scotland v Morocco suited low-scoring and disciplined-play markets, with Scotland compact against a well-organised Moroccan side, while Brazil tended to make things lively, with early movement in goal lines and handicap markets when they took control. For context on how international players hold up physically across a tournament, see our football fitness testing and performance data.
England’s Group L, Secondary Irish Interest
England were in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama, and drew plenty of betting interest from Irish punters. England topped the group on seven points and went on to finish third overall, beating France in the third-place play-off. Croatia qualified second and Ghana advanced as one of the best third-placed sides, while Panama went out.
The most popular markets among Irish punters were England to top Group L, outright group-winner odds, and Harry Kane in the top-scorer markets. England’s IST-friendly kick-off times through the group stage made their fixtures convenient for betting live at home.
Irish Betting Tax and Legal Framework
Here is where the tax and licensing rules stand for Irish bettors.
- Gambling winnings are not taxable for recreational players in Ireland; more at revenue.ie or citizensinformation.ie.
- Betting is legal only for residents aged 18 or over.
- Remote betting operators serving Irish customers require a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). GRAI remote betting licences have been issued since 1 July 2026 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which replaced the former Revenue Commissioners remote bookmaker regime for online betting.
- Inducements such as free bets, VIP schemes and free hospitality are prohibited under Section 157 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, so welcome-bonus offers do not appear on GRAI-licensed sites.
- Credit cards cannot be used to fund gambling accounts in Ireland.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 World Cup?
Spain. They topped Group H, then beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final on 19 July 2026 for their second world title, conceding only one goal in the whole tournament.
How did the 2026 group stage work?
Forty-eight teams were split into 12 groups of four, each playing three round-robin matches. The top two in each group plus the eight best third-placed teams, 32 sides in all, advanced to a new Round of 32.
Did any UK or Ireland teams play at the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland (Group C) and England (Group L) qualified. Neither the Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland made it. Scotland went out in the group stage; England topped their group and finished third overall.
How did Scotland do in Group C?
Scotland finished third in Group C on three points behind Brazil and Morocco and did not advance, in a group where Brazil won and Morocco went on to reach the quarter-finals.
What was the best third-placed rule?
In the 48-team format, the eight best of the twelve third-placed teams also reached the knockouts. It made the to-qualify market more valuable for mid-tier sides, since a top-two finish was no longer required to advance.
Do Irish players pay tax on gambling winnings?
No. Recreational punters do not pay tax on betting winnings in Ireland; the operator pays betting duty.
Are welcome bonuses available on Irish-licensed betting sites?
No. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (s.157), inducements such as bonus bets and VIP schemes are prohibited on GRAI-licensed sites.
When is the next World Cup?
In 2030, co-hosted across Spain, Portugal and Morocco with three centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Group draws and markets will follow closer to the tournament.
Responsible Gambling in Ireland
Betting is only enjoyable when it stays in control. Never stake money you cannot afford to lose or chase losses. ESRI research has indicated that a significant number of Irish adults meet problem-gambling criteria, the harm is real, and confidential help is available.
- Gambling Care Ireland helpline via Dunlewey Addiction Services, free and available 24/7, 1800 936 725, gamblingcare.ie.
- Extern Problem Gambling offers national counselling, and Gamblers Anonymous Ireland provides peer support.
- Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI is developing a national self-exclusion register allowing bettors to self-exclude across all licensed operators for periods from three months to five years; check grai.ie for its current status.
- Sportsbook tools include deposit limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion. You must be 18 or over. More on our Ireland responsible gambling page.
All betting on these sites is for adults aged 18 and over only.