The 2026 World Cup introduces a new 48-team format with 12 groups, a major change from the 32-team structure of previous years. The World Cup 2026 groups mean more matches and more angles for bettors, and the expanded best third-placed rule will change “to qualify” odds in ways that can make them more appealing than they might first appear.
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Please note that none of the bookmakers mentioned here currently have a GRAI licence or an Irish Revenue Commissioners Remote Bookmaker licence verified by this site as of the publish date. The GRAI application window for remote operators started on 9 February 2026, with licences issued from 1 July 2026; keep in mind that statuses may change during the tournament window.
The Republic of Ireland lost its playoff to Czechia, and Northern Ireland also missed out, so neither will feature this time round. Still, plenty of Irish bettors will be getting involved in the World Cup by supporting other teams. Scotland in Group C is the main UK or Ireland side to follow, while England in Group L is another popular option.
In this article, I’ll look at how to approach group betting, spot value, and navigate the new format. I’ll also give a quick review of the best betting sites in Ireland.
Best Bookmakers for World Cup 2026 Group Stage Betting in Ireland
Below are the best 2026 World Cup betting sites available to all Irish punters over 18 years old.
These platforms have been chosen for their comprehensive coverage of the World Cup 2026 group-stage tournaments, including a wide selection of markets, competitive odds, bet builder functionality, and in-play offerings. Additionally, you can also find excellent customer support, an intuitive platform, and a selection of responsible gaming tools.
RoyalistPlay
Top options for football betting in Ireland include RoyalistPlay, which provides strong coverage of World Cup group winner markets, with a particular focus on Scotland’s Group C fixtures. Punters can 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 supports a massive variety of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Revolut, Skrill, Neteller, and crypto.
Directionbet
Another standout is Directionbet, which delivers an impressive depth of Scottish football markets alongside live group winner odds for the World Cup. Punters can 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 accepts payments through Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity, and CashtoCode.
FestivalPlay
For those seeking competitive World Cup group odds, FestivalPlay provides an excellent platform complete with an easy-to-use bet builder. Punters can 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 accommodates a broad spectrum of payments, including traditional cards, Revolut, e-wallets, and major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
LegendPlay
LegendPlay is highly recommended for its sheer breadth of World Cup markets and its excellent live in-play betting depth. The platform is designed for strategic betting, allowing punters the flexibility of cash-out availability on their group stage wagers. Regulated under an offshore Anjouan licence, LegendPlay facilitates easy deposits and withdrawals through Mastercard, Skrill (including 1-Tap), Neteller, Paysafecard, MiFinity, CashtoCode, and Bitcoin.
BetAlright
BetAlright stands out with a fantastic selection of group winner markets and comprehensive coverage of both Scottish and English fixtures. While it does not offer a dedicated app, punters can still enjoy a highly smooth and intuitive experience via the mobile browser. Operating offshore with an Anjouan licence via Rabidi N.V., the platform accepts popular and convenient payment options, including Apple Pay, PayPal, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafecard.
Treasure Spins
Treasure Spins is an excellent choice for punters looking to combine group winner markets with the ability to easily build accumulator bets. A major draw of this platform is the availability of live streaming for selected matches, enhancing the in-play betting experience. Operating under an offshore Curaçao licence, it boasts 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 provides incredible group market depth, offering highly competitive World Cup odds—especially for smaller groups like G, H, J, and K. Punters can engage with a massive volume of live in-play markets as the tournament progresses. Managed by TechSolutions Group under an offshore Curaçao licence, 22BET supports 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 Does World Cup 2026 Group Stage Betting Work
World Cup 2026 group stage betting involves wagering on matches in the tournament’s opening round, where teams are split into groups and play each other in a round-robin format. Here, punters can place wagers on match results, group winners, or qualification outcomes.
The World Cup group odds you’ll find will reflect the team’s strength, form, and the structure of the group.
The 2026 Format, What Changed, and Why It Matters
In previous tournaments, the World Cup featured 32 teams; now, it has expanded to a 48-team format, creating more group-stage matches and, in turn, more betting opportunities for punters.
| Format Feature | 2022 (Qatar) | 2026 (USA / CAN / MEX) |
|---|---|---|
|
Teams |
32 |
48 |
|
Groups |
8 of 4 |
12 of 4 |
|
Who qualifies? |
Top 2 from each group |
Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed |
|
Post-group stage |
Round of 16 |
Round of 32 (new stage) |
|
Group matches per team |
3 |
3 (unchanged) |
|
Betting implication |
8 group winner markets |
12 group winner markets + “to qualify” becomes more complex (best third-placed) |
One of the most important additions to this new format is the best third-placed rule, where eight of the twelve third-placed teams also progress to the knockout stage. This means fewer teams will go home early, and more teams have a chance to advance. For bettors, this shortens the ‘to qualify’ World Cup group odds for many mid-tier nations, as teams no longer need a top-two finish to advance. Additionally, draws and goal differences will carry more weight than outright wins in closely matched World Cup 2026 groups.
Key Group Stage Betting Markets Explained
Below, I’ve outlined the main World Cup 2026 group betting markets you’ll find at most of the best betting sites in Ireland.
| Market | What It Is | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Group Winner |
Back a team to finish top of their group. Pays out regardless of the overall tournament result. |
Scotland 5.50 to win Group C (subject to change) For a full breakdown of how odds work, check out our guide to understanding decimal and fractional odds. |
|
To Qualify from the Group |
Instead of betting on a team’s exact placement, you can back them to finish in the top two or be one of the eight best third-placed teams. This year’s World Cup is a bit more complicated than before, with more ways for teams to reach the knockout rounds. |
Scotland or Haiti to qualify from Group C |
|
Group Top Scorer |
Bet on which player scores the most goals within a specific group. It’s a niche but popular market among Irish punters looking for higher World Cup group odds. |
A Scotland forward to top Group C scoring charts |
|
Match Betting (1X2) |
Back the home win (1), the draw (X), or the away win (2). This is settled within 90 minutes. For the 2026 World Cup, home advantage really only matters for the three host countries when they play at home. |
Scotland (1) vs Morocco (2) in Group C |
|
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) |
Bet on whether both teams score in a group match. This simply involves a yes or a no, and is popular for Group I attacking World Cup 2026 groups such as France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. |
France vs Senegal – BTTS Yes or No |
|
Over / Under Goals |
Bet on whether there will be more or fewer than a set number of goals (e.g. Over 2.5). Group games can be tight early on, but as teams need results to qualify, games can get a lot more open. |
Over 2.5 goals in Scotland vs Brazil |
|
Accumulator (Acca) |
Allows you to combine multiple selections into one wager. To receive a payout, all selections must win; however, since odds are multiplied, you get a bigger payout. This is very popular amongst Irish punters. |
Scotland win + England win + Over 2.5 goals You can also use our betting calculators to work out potential returns before placing your bets. |
|
Bet Builder |
Build a custom bet combining multiple markets from the same match, such as result, goals, and scorers. Available on operators like Directionbet, LegendPlay, Betalright, FestivalPlay, and 22BET for World Cup group matches. |
Scotland to win + BTTS No + Under 3.5 goals |
|
In-Play / Live Betting |
Live betting allows you to place wagers on games while they’re still ongoing, unlike pre-game betting, where your wager is locked in before the game starts. |
Scotland vs Morocco (11pm IST), England vs Croatia (9pm IST), Scotland vs Brazil (11pm IST) |
For a wider look at wagering options, see our guide to types of sports bets explained.
World Cup 2026 Groups, Full Group Breakdown
Here are the World Cup 2026 groups:
| Group | Teams | Group Winner Odds |
|---|---|---|
|
Group A |
Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia |
Mexico (2.05) |
|
Group B |
Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Switzerland (2.20) |
|
Group C |
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland |
Brazil (1.55) |
|
Group D |
USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye |
USA (2.00) |
|
Group E |
Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador |
Germany (1.55) |
|
Group F |
Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia, Japan |
Netherlands (1.85) |
|
Group G |
Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand |
Belgium (1.80) |
|
Group H |
Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde |
Spain (1.60) |
|
Group I |
France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway (group of death candidate) |
France (1.75) |
|
Group J |
Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
Argentina (1.60) |
|
Group K |
Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, DR Congo (Portugal was in Ireland’s qualifying group) |
Portugal (1.65) |
|
Group L |
England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama |
England (1.75) |
Group A
- Mexico is currently the favorite here, thanks to its favorable draw and overall strong performance in the World Cup.
- South Korea is known for its discipline when it comes to defense, so they’ll be a tough team to break down. This could make the team appealing in “to qualify” betting markets rather than for outright wins.
- South Africa and Czechia are also good at picking up points, so the group could prove to be more competitive than it appears at first glance.
Group B
- Switzerland is one of those teams you can usually count on in the group stage, even when they’re not scoring loads of goals.
- Canada, on the other hand, brings plenty of pace and can be dangerous on the break, but it’s still a question mark whether they can string together three solid performances.
- Qatar and Bosnia are both unpredictable sides, which could mean draws play a big role in deciding who qualifies from this group.
Group C
- Brazil are the clear favorites in this group, but Scotland’s physical style means they won’t be easy to break down over 90 minutes.
- Morocco’s strong defensive style makes it a threat in tight games, making it especially dangerous in close, low-scoring games where every chance counts.
- Haiti comes in as the underdog, but with the third-place rule in play, they have a real shot at staying in the mix longer than they might have in previous tournaments, which can influence how the group is approached.
Group D
- The USA is widely expected to dominate this group, especially with the advantage of playing on home soil
- Turkiye and Paraguay have different styles; Turkiye usually looks to go forward and play on the front foot, while Paraguay prefers to stay organized and defend in numbers.
- Australia may not be the obvious pick, but if you can get them at a reasonable price in the “to qualify” market, it could be a smart play.
Group E
- Germany typically performs well in the group stage, even if they’re not always at their absolute best.
- Ecuador’s physical style makes them tough to play against and can really throw opponents off their game.
- Côte d’Ivoire brings plenty of athleticism, which could give them an edge during important moments in the game.
- Curaçao, making its World Cup debut, is something of a wild card. Their inexperience could lead to surprises, and that kind of uncertainty might shake up the qualification betting markets.
Group F
- The Netherlands are clear favorites here, with the team capable of controlling games against anyone in the group.
- Japan’s technical ability means they could push for the top spot, making the “to qualify” market especially interesting.
- Tunisia tends to keep matches tight and low-scoring, while Sweden brings physical presence and plenty of tournament experience to the group. With this mix of styles, there’s potential for some very close contests in the group.
Group G
- Belgium stands out in this group and should have little trouble progressing.
- Egypt and Iran are dangerous in transition, so this can make the second qualification spot exciting to look at.
- New Zealand tends to stay compact and focus on damage control rather than trying to dictate play
Group H
- Spain is one of the tournament favorites and should progress through this group comfortably.
- Uruguay, with its defensive resilience, is the likely second-place finisher but won’t make it easy for anyone along the way.
- Saudi Arabia showed in 2022 that they can cause upsets, and both they and Cape Verde will need results to stay in the qualification, with the third-place route their most realistic path through.
Group I
- This is the ‘group of death’ at this year’s World Cup, with France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq all capable of influencing qualification.
- France remains the strongest team, but Senegal’s athleticism and Norway’s attacking threat make them very competitive.
- Iraq will be looking to pick up points in close matches, but just a few goals from Haaland could shift the balance of the group in a heartbeat.
Group J
- Argentina are clear favorites in this group and are widely expected to finish top.
- Both Algeria and Austria are competitive enough to make the second qualification spot genuinely interesting, so there could be value in the “to qualify” market.
- Jordan enters as the underdog, but with the third-place route now in play, they’ll be fighting to stay in the mix for as long as possible.
Group K
- Portugal are familiar with Ireland from qualifying and comes in as strong favorites.
- Colombia looks like the main challenger, and they’re no pushovers, so the race for first place could be closer than the odds suggest.
- Uzbekistan and DR Congo face a tough task, but at longer odds, the “to qualify” market might appeal to punters looking to take a risk.
Group L
- England and Croatia are the most important teams in this group, both of which have a lot of experience in managing tournament pressure.
- Ghana can add an unpredictable edge, especially on the counterattack, which makes the BTTS (Both Teams To Score) market worth a look in their games.
- Panama may try to disrupt the rhythm, so games could be tighter than expected.
Scotland’s Group C, The Irish Viewer’s Main Hook
With Ireland and Northern Ireland both missing from the 2026 World Cup, Scotland becomes the primary betting interest for Irish punters. Indeed, Steve Clarke’s side has finally qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, and Group C has quickly become one of the most exciting groups to follow.
Scotland earned their place through a demanding European qualifying campaign, though they’ve been handed a tough draw against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. They look like a clear outsider to top the group, but that uncertainty is exactly what makes them interesting to bet on.
ROI and Scotland have long-standing ties, and Irish fans are expected to tune in live, with Scottish internationals regularly picked up by Irish broadcasters. Two of Scotland’s group matches kick off at 11 pm Irish time, making it easy to follow from the sofa. Scotland v Brazil, in particular, is likely to draw strong interest from 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 |
Check out the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official page for updated fixture times
Betting considerations for Irish punters
Scotland to qualify from Group C
Brazil is among the World Cup 2026 groups outright tournament favorites, while Morocco comes in on the back of their impressive run to the World Cup semi-finals. Haiti, meanwhile, will be full of motivation as underdogs on the big stage.
The expanded format this year is really shaking things up; With eight third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 32, Scotland doesn’t necessarily need to finish in the top two to go through. If they just land a win and keep competing in other matches, it could be enough to see them progress. For this reason, the “to qualify” market is worth comparing across Irish bookmakers early, before prices shorten once public interest builds.
In-play opportunities (11pm kick-offs)
With both games kicking off at 11 pm IST, Morocco and Brazil are well-suited options for anyone who wants to bet live from home. Scotland vs Morocco looks more suited to low-scoring or disciplined play markets, with Scotland likely to stay compact against a well-organized Moroccan side.
Brazil, on the other hand, tends to make things lively. If they start quickly and take control, you can usually expect early movement in both the goal lines and handicap markets.
Scotland top scorer markets
Since Ireland isn’t taking part this time around, viewers will want to follow individual players throughout the tournament. One of the most important attacking threats from qualifying is Lawrence Shankland, so this could be of interest in top-scorer or team top-scorer markets, depending on how your bookmaker structures them.
Just keep in mind that some operators only offer outright tournament top scorer prices rather than group-specific ones, so it’s always good to check the details before placing your bet. For more context on how international players perform physically across a tournament, see our football fitness testing and performance data.
Why Irish Punters Are Looking Beyond Home
Ireland will not be at the 2026 World Cup. Troy Parrott gave us some unforgettable moments in the qualifiers, including a hat-trick against Hungary, where it all ended in heartbreak against Czechia. Ireland led 2-0 before conceding twice and ultimately losing 4-3 on penalties in the semi-final on 26 March 2026 (confirmed by the Football Association of Ireland).
Although nothing beats having your own team in the tournament, Irish punters still have plenty of exciting ways to get involved in the action this year, with Scotland in Group C being the primary interest for most Irish bettors. Naturally, there is a deep connection between Irish and Scottish football, and with two matches kicking off at 11 pm IST, these games are perfectly timed for anyone who’s interested in betting live.
England, meanwhile, is in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, and will draw plenty of interest too, making their group-stage fixtures attractive for betting. Czechia in Group A is also worth keeping an eye on, as the team that eliminated Ireland this year, Irish punters may see value in backing them to qualify, given their playoff form.
Finally, Portugal topped the World Cup 2026 qualifying groups Ireland were placed in, making them familiar faces for Irish punters heading into the tournament. While they are strong favourites, you might find a bit more value looking at the group winner markets rather than just betting on them to go through.
England’s Group L, Secondary Irish Interest
England are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, and as you’d expect, they’ll also attract plenty of betting interest from the Irish. The Three Lions will open their campaign against Croatia on 17 June with a 9 pm IST kick‑off, then face Ghana on 23 June at 9 pm IST, before rounding out the group against Panama on 27 June at 10 pm IST. These IST-friendly times make them perfect for betting live at home.
The most popular markets among Irish punters will be England to top Group L, outright group winner odds, and Harry Kane in the top scorer markets.
Irish Betting Tax and Legal Framework
Here’s what you need to know about the current tax and licence regulations in the country:
- In Ireland, gambling winnings are not taxable for recreational players; you can find more information about this at revenue.ie or citizensinformation.ie.
- Betting is only legal for residents over 18 years old.
- On the licensing side, operators must currently hold a Revenue Commissioners Remote Bookmaker’s Licence under the Betting Acts 1931–2015. This will remain the case until GRAI remote licences begin issuing from 1 July 2026, following the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which commenced on 5 February 2026 (Department of Justice). Once GRAI licences are in place, operators will need to hold a GRAI remote licence to legally serve Irish customers.
- Inducements, such as free bets, VIP, and free hospitality, are prohibited under Section 157 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
FAQ
Is Ireland in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Ireland did not qualify for the World Cup as they lost to Czechia. Northern Ireland also didn’t qualify.
Which UK and Ireland teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland (Group C) and England (Group L) are the only teams from the UK or Ireland in the tournament.
How does the 2026 World Cup group stage work?
The tournament has 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. Each team plays three matches in a round-robin format, with the top two plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Which group is Scotland in at the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland are in Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti.
When does Scotland play in the World Cup 2026 group stage (Irish time)?
Scotland play three group matches: Haiti v Scotland kicks off at 2am IST (overnight), Scotland v Morocco at 11pm IST on 19 June, and Scotland v Brazil at 11pm IST on 24 June. You can check out scottishfa.co.uk for the latest times.
What are the most popular group-stage betting markets in Ireland?
These include match result (1X2), group winners, to qualify, correct score, both teams to score, and over/under goals.
Do Irish players pay tax on gambling winnings?
No. Recreational punters do not pay tax on betting or casino winnings in Ireland.
Are welcome bonuses available on Irish betting sites?
No. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (s.157), inducements such as bonus bets, VIP schemes, or enhanced World Cup group odds are prohibited on Irish-licensed sites.
Responsible Gambling In Ireland
Betting is only fun when it’s done responsibly; you should never play with money that you can’t afford to lose or chase losses with risky bets. ESRI research shows that around 130,000 Irish adults meet problem gambling criteria; the harm caused by addictive gambling behaviors is real, and confidential help is always available for those who need it.
Support includes the Gambling Care Ireland helpline via Dunlewey Addiction Services (1800 936 725), free and available 24/7 (gamblingcare.ie); Extern Problem Gambling, which offers national counseling; and Gamblers Anonymous Ireland for peer support.
When playing at sportsbooks, you’ll always have responsible gaming tools to help you play within limits, like deposit limits, session reminders, time-outs, and self-exclusion. Also, under GRA 2024, GRAI is developing a national self-exclusion register that will allow bettors to exclude themselves from all sportsbooks for periods ranging from 3 months to 5 years.
