Fifa World Cup 2019 champions France are the early favourites to win the upcoming edition of the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada. | AFP
Image: AFP
Tuesday marks 30 days to the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup — give or take a few hours on South African Standard Time.
With that in mind, we look at the early favourites a month out from the tournament start on 11 June, which begins with the opening match between co-host Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in the US, but this time around, it is expected that a European team will once again hold aloft the trophy. Currently, France and Spain are the early joint favourites at 5/1 (+500), which represents roughly a 17% probability of victory.
For France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, the tag is unsurprising given their depth and talisman Kylian Mbappe’s form. England are also considered to be in with a shout at 13/2 (+650).
Vinicius Jr of Brazil. | AFP
Image: AFP
South American nations have won nine of the 22 tournaments held thus far, and they are once again being considered as potential champions-in-waiting. Argentina return as the defending champions and will carry a "dark horse" tag despite their pedigree.
Brazil, powered by Vinicius Jr, are considered the continent’s best chance of winning a sixth title. The Brazilians have not done so since 2002, but bookmakers have given them an 11% chance (8/1) to do so across the US, Canada and Mexico. Colombia, meanwhile, are expected to make a deep run, potentially upsetting more fancied nations in the latter stages.
Harry Kane of England. | AFP
Image: AFP
After winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich for a second consecutive time, Harry Kane — who has scored 33 league goals for the German giants this season (55 in all competitions) — is a firm favourite to be the leading scorer.
The England captain will have time to find his scoring boots during Group L encounters against Croatia, Ghana and Panama. He will have tough competition, however; Mbappe is also heavily favoured. Having scored over 40 goals for Real Madrid this season, many believe he will transfer that ruthless form to Les Bleus.
Alisson Becker of Brazil. | AFP
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The Golden Glove category is expected to be fiercely contested. Currently, three goalkeepers are the early favourites to help their teams keep clean sheets: Alisson Becker (Brazil), Emiliano Martinez (Argentina) and Thibaut Courtois (Belgium).
Kylian Mbappe of France. | AFP
Image: AFP
Mbappe is once again favoured to end the tournament as its best player. The 2018 winner took the Golden Boot in 2022 and was the tournament’s Best Young Player eight years ago.
The bookies also fancy Spain’s Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old recently aided Barcelona to consecutive La Liga titles and was a runner-up for the Ballon d'Or last season. His presence has made La Roja arguably the most appealing "second choice" for oddsmakers.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. | Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
No one is expecting Hugo Broos’ Bafana to win the tournament, and that would arguably be an unfair expectation. Currently, South Africa are 1000/1 to hold aloft the trophy.
Their chances of progressing out of Group A — which also features co-host Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic — are more favourable, with a 39% probability. They are considered the toughest nation to predict in the group, with Mexico expected to win the pool.
Mexico are the clear favourites to win the opening match at 1.50, while bookies are offering odds as high as 6.50 for Bafana to cause an upset. | Morgan Bolton