France

The biggest summer in football is here, and Unibet UK is your home for every minute of it. Back all 72 group games of the 2026 Football Cup, dig into the outright market, then keep the action going year round with football, racing, tennis, golf and a sportsbook built for the way you bet. As one of the UK's most trusted sports betting platforms, Unibet brings together competitive prices, a vast range of markets and everything a punter needs under one roof.

Start with the summer everyone is talking about

This is the summer the whole football world has been counting down to, and online betting with Unibet UK puts you right in the middle of it. The 2026 Football Cup runs from the 11th of June to the 19th of July, spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations, 104 matches and 16 host cities all chasing the same trophy. It is the biggest edition the tournament has ever staged, the first to welcome 48 teams, and for the next few weeks it turns every café, living room and group chat into a selection committee.

Sports betting on a tournament of this scale is a genuinely special experience, with fresh markets arriving almost every day and enough football to keep even the most enthusiastic punter busy from the opening game to the final. We have built our sportsbook to match the moment, so whatever you fancy, from the very first whistle in Mexico to the closing act in July, you can find a price for it here.

What makes this one special is the sheer breadth of what you can get involved in. Every one of the 72 group games has its own market, and you will find plenty more besides: outright winner, top goalscorer, group winners, stage of elimination, and a deep menu of match markets on each fixture. Fancy a big name to go all the way? There is a price for that. Prefer to take a punt on a dark horse making the latter stages? You can do that too. The beauty of a tournament this size is that there is something to follow almost every single day, and with Unibet you are never more than a few taps away from the action you want.

You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it, either. Some of our players will pore over form, head to head records and team news. Others will simply back the country they have always loved, or the underdog with the fairytale story. Both are welcome here, because betting should be about the fun of having a stake in the outcome, not a maths exam. Further down this page you will find a complete, group by group guide to the whole tournament, with a quick route into every single fixture, plus the outright and tournament markets that keep things lively all the way to the final. First, though, let us walk you through everything that makes online betting with Unibet tick, all year round.

More markets, more ways to back your call

There really is nothing quite like online betting with Unibet. With so many markets and so many ways to bet, you are never short of a reason to get stuck in. Sports betting at Unibet means having access to thousands of markets across dozens of sports, all in one place and available around the clock.

From the sports you grew up with, like football and horse racing, to the events you only think about every few years, like a major international tournament, the choice is huge. And it does not stop at sport. You can have a flutter on the big political races, the outcome of a hit television show, or the talking points that get the whole country chatting. Wherever the interest is, the odds tend to follow.

New and existing customers can be confident they are getting competitive online betting odds, backed up by friendly support and a steady run of promotions, from free bets to welcome offers. Sports betting with a trusted, regulated operator means you can focus entirely on the markets and the selections, knowing everything behind the scenes is built to the highest standards.

Think of the Unibet betting site as your one stop shop: the sportsbook, the live action, the offers and the safer gambling tools all live in the same place, so you can move from one to the next without ever losing your spot. We know our players have come to play, so we keep the waffle to a minimum and the good stuff front and centre.

The aim is simple. We want every visit to feel quick, clear and genuinely exciting, whether you are placing a considered weekend accumulator or a spur of the moment bet on the game that is about to kick off. The rest of this page breaks down how it all works, the markets you can explore, the features that put you in control, and of course the tournament that has the nation glued to its screens this summer.

Prices that move the moment the action does

Whether you are a fan of the traditional favourites like horse racing or you lean towards the more unusual corners of the sporting calendar, you can count on Unibet sports betting odds being sharp and worth a look. Any sports fan knows how quickly a match can swing, so staying on top of the latest prices is part of the fun, and part of the skill. A team news leak, a late injury, a change in conditions: all of it can move a market in minutes. For regular sports betting fans, the ability to react to breaking news and shifting prices is what separates a considered wager from a hasty one, and at Unibet the tools to do exactly that are always within reach.

At Unibet, sports betting odds are updated in real time. That means the price you see next to a market can shift in the days and weeks before an event, and right through the action itself as the story unfolds. It is one of the things that makes live sport such a thrill to follow with a stake riding on it. A goal here, a red card there, and the whole picture changes in front of you.

The good news is that the latest odds refresh automatically across the betting site and the app, so you are always looking at a live picture. If a price happens to change while you are building your slip, we will flag the new odds and ask you to confirm before anything is placed. That check happens even when the move is in your favour, so you are never caught out and you always know exactly what you are backing before you commit. It is a small touch, but it sums up how we like to do things: clear, upfront and on your side.

Reading the odds without the headache

Betting odds are simply a way of showing how much a bet could return if it comes in, and how likely the outcome is judged to be. Understanding the basics of sports betting odds is simpler than it looks, and getting your head around the three main formats takes no more than a few minutes. You will usually see them displayed in one of three styles, and the choice is entirely down to what you find easiest to read. Fractional odds are the classic British format you will have seen on racecourses and in the papers for generations. Decimal odds present everything as a single figure, which a lot of players find quick to compare at a glance. American odds, shown with a plus or minus, are the format you will spot more often around events staged across the Atlantic.

Here is the reassuring part: they all describe the same thing. Whichever style you prefer, the odds are telling you the same story about potential return and implied chance, just dressed up in different clothing. You can switch between formats in your settings so the whole site speaks your language, then forget about the maths and focus on the picks.

As a rule of thumb, a shorter price points to an outcome our traders see as more likely, while a bigger price reflects an outcome judged less likely but with more to gain if it lands. Favourites and underdogs, in other words. None of it is a guarantee, because that is the whole point of sport, but understanding what the numbers are hinting at helps you weigh up where you see value. Get comfortable with that and you will read a market in seconds, leaving more time for the bit that matters: deciding who you fancy.

Pick a bet type that matches your style

Betting can look complicated from the outside, but most players enjoy themselves without ever needing to learn every wrinkle. The depth and variety of bet types available at Unibet is one of the things that makes it a standout sports betting destination for players of every level. The simplest place to start is a single bet on one outcome: the result of a match, the first scorer, or the correct score. Plenty of people are perfectly happy keeping it to clean, simple picks like these, and there is nothing wrong with that. If that is your speed, you are well catered for.

For those who want a bit more, there is a whole world to explore. Handicap betting, sometimes called point spread betting, levels the playing field by giving the stronger side a virtual deficit to overcome and the underdog a head start. It is a great way to find value in a match that looks one sided on paper, because even a team that loses on the day can still land your bet. You can also back over or under a set number of goals or points, which keeps you invested even when the result itself is never in doubt.

Horse racing fans have their own favourites, like each way betting, which gives you a return if your selection wins or simply places in the frame. And if you like the idea of stringing several picks together, the Unibet Bet Builder lets you combine multiple markets into one bigger wager with a boosted overall price. Online betting on your favourite sport becomes even more enjoyable when you discover a bet type that truly matches the way you see the game, and the range at Unibet means that moment of recognition rarely takes long.

From singles to accumulators, forecasts to specials, there are so many ways to play that you are bound to land on a style that suits how you see the game. The trick is to keep it to what you enjoy and understand, then let the sport do the rest.

The sports our players keep coming back to

You can bet on almost anything with Unibet, from the long established favourites to the modern arrivals, but a handful of sports stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to popularity. Football leads the way, as you would expect in this country, followed closely by horse racing, with tennis, golf and boxing rounding out the most loved. Players are drawn to these for the same reason every time: you simply cannot be sure what is going to happen, and that unpredictability is the lifeblood of a good bet.

Football is the big one. It is woven into the national fabric, so most fans carry a genuine knowledge of it, and that expertise is what makes backing your team so satisfying. From the Premier League and the EFL to the major European nights and the international stage, there is top class football to bet on for most of the year, and a summer tournament like this one sends interest through the roof. Horse racing brings its own rhythm, from a quiet midweek card to the roar of the festival meetings, and it remains one of the most enthralling sports to have a stake in.

Beyond the headline acts, the catalogue runs deep. Tennis offers near year round action across the tours and the Grand Slam fortnights. Golf delivers drama every time a major rolls around. Cricket, darts, snooker, rugby union and rugby league all have loyal followings, while basketball, the big American football nights and a growing esports scene give you something to follow whatever the hour. And it is not only sport. You can have a punt on the big political contests, the song contest that grips the continent each spring, and the entertainment markets that get everyone talking. The variety is the point: there is always something on, and always a market worth a look.

A few of those deserve a closer look. Horse racing rewards the punter who studies the form, the going and the draw, and an each way bet gives you a second way to land a return when you fancy a runner to go close without being sure it lands first. Tennis runs almost all year, from the hard courts to the clay and the grass of the Grand Slam fortnights, with match winner, set betting and total games markets that suit anyone who follows the tours closely. Golf is built for the patient backer, where an each way stake on a major can turn a quiet Sunday afternoon into a genuinely tense one. Boxing brings the big fight night theatre, cricket offers everything from a frantic Twenty20 dash to the slow burn of a five day Test, and darts and snooker deliver a steady run of tournaments through the colder months. Add the American football nights, the basketball, the rugby in both codes and the fast rising esports scene, and the truth is simple: whatever you love to watch, there is a market on it, and the more you know about it, the more fun it becomes.

Smarter habits for online betting

If we could pass on a single piece of advice, it would be this: bet on what you know. A sport you follow, a league you understand, a team whose form you can actually read. That beats throwing money at a fixture you have never heard of in a division you could not name. Knowledge will not promise you a winner, because nothing can, but it tilts the odds of an informed decision in your direction and makes the whole thing far more enjoyable.

A little homework goes a long way. Glance at recent form, injuries and team news, and think about how the two sides actually match up rather than just who has the bigger reputation. If you like combining a few markets to chase a longer price, weigh up how realistic the whole slip is rather than just each leg in isolation. And give some thought to the markets themselves: sometimes the most fun, and the most readable, bet is not the headline result at all but a player to perform or a particular pattern to play out.

Most importantly, keep it in proportion. Set yourself a budget before you start, only ever stake what you are comfortable losing, and treat any returns as a bonus rather than an expectation. The safer gambling tools built into your account, which we cover towards the end of this page, are there to help you stay in control, and we would always encourage you to use them. Betting is at its best when it stays a bit of fun on the side of the sport you love, so head to the Unibet blog for more tips and keep the enjoyment front and centre.

It also helps to keep a clear head about value. A short price on a heavy favourite can feel safe, but it ties up a fair bit of stake for a small return, while chasing big prices on long shots can drain a balance quickly. The sweet spot is usually a selection you have a genuine reason to back at a price that feels fair for the risk you are taking. Keep a loose record of how your bets go if you can, because it is the quickest way to spot which markets you read well and which ones simply are not for you. None of this guarantees anything, since sport will always find a way to surprise you, but a thoughtful and disciplined approach makes the whole experience richer whatever the final result.

From sign up to first bet in a few taps

Getting started is refreshingly quick. The first step is to register for a Unibet account, which only takes a few minutes and a handful of details. Once you are set up and verified, you simply add funds to your account to get going. This is also the moment to take a look at any welcome offer available to new customers, so you know exactly what is on the table before you place your first bet. As ever, the terms and conditions are worth a read so there are no surprises.

From there it could not be more straightforward. Head to the sports section of the site or the app, find the sport and the event you want, and tap the market that catches your eye. Add any other selections you fancy, then open your bet slip to see it all in one place. Enter your stake, confirm the bet, and you are away, with the action ready to follow live. The same simple flow works whether you are placing a single, building an accumulator or putting together a custom Bet Builder, so once you have done it once you have done it forever.

We have worked hard to keep that journey smooth for newcomers and seasoned players alike. No clutter, no hoops, no hunting around for the bet you want. Just a quick, clear route from idea to placed bet, with all the live prices, stats and safer gambling controls right where you would expect them.

A quick word on getting verified, since it pays to do it early. As a licensed operator we need to confirm a few details when you sign up, which keeps your account secure and makes sure betting stays in adult hands. Clearing that step when you first register, rather than leaving it until you want to withdraw, means your money moves smoothly when the time comes. It is a couple of minutes well spent, and once it is done you can focus entirely on the sport and the bets you want to place.

The markets punters reach for first

When players open a market, the result is almost always the first thing they look at. Backing the outcome of a match, a race or a competition is wonderfully simple and endlessly appealing, which is why it remains the most popular way to bet by a distance. There is something pure about picking a winner and watching it play out. Right alongside it sit the player performance markets, like a footballer to score at any time, a batter to top score, or a golfer to finish inside a certain bracket. These let you put your specific knowledge to work, which a lot of fans find more satisfying than the result alone.

The depth on offer goes much further, of course. On a single football match you might find dozens of markets, from correct score and total goals to cards, corners, both teams to score and the method of the next goal. You can keep things to one tidy single, or you can combine markets across one match or several into a bigger slip in search of a longer price. However you like to bet, the menu is there to be explored.

Across the board, Unibet covers single events like match outcomes and competition winners, and gives you the tools to bundle them together when you fancy something more ambitious. The point is choice. Some days you will want the simplicity of a one pick single, other days the thrill of a sprawling multiple, and both are a tap away whenever you are ready.

It is worth getting to know the markets beyond the result, because that is where a lot of the enjoyment lives. The over and under markets let you back the character of a game rather than the winner, which can be a smart angle when two sides look evenly matched on paper. Handicap markets, sometimes called the point spread, level the field by giving one side a head start or a deficit, so a one sided looking fixture can still make for a lively bet right to the end. Specials and player props put your closer knowledge to work, rewarding the fan who knows which winger loves to shoot or which striker thrives under the lights on a big night. None of these are any harder to place than a simple single, and exploring them is one of the quickest ways to find the bet that genuinely matches how you see a match playing out.

Goals, both teams to score and the markets around them

Few markets are as beloved in this country as both teams to score. The idea is exactly what it sounds like: you are backing each side to find the net at least once in a single game. It is a football staple because a clean sheet is never a given, especially when two attacking sides meet, and it keeps you involved right to the final whistle even if the result has long been settled. It tends to be a football special rather than a feature of the higher scoring sports, where goals at both ends are simply assumed.

If you are weighing up a both teams to score bet, it pays to think about the shape of the match rather than just the names involved. How do the two attacks look, and how solid are the defences in front of them? Is one side likely to chase the game and leave gaps, or are both set up to keep things tight? A heavy favourite against a packed defence can throw up a surprising answer, so the obvious read is not always the right one.

Goals markets stretch well beyond that, too. You can back over or under a total, predict the time of the first goal, or fancy a particular player to get on the scoresheet. String a few of these together with the Bet Builder and you have a personalised bet that follows your exact reading of how the game will flow. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to watch a match, because suddenly every attack matters.

Live, in your hand: in play betting and the app

In play betting is one of the most gripping ways to wager, because you are reacting to the action as it actually happens rather than guessing beforehand. Prices update in real time as the match or race develops, so you can wait to see how a game is shaping up, then strike when you spot your moment. Suddenly you find yourself willing on the next corner, the next point or the next yellow card, and the smallest moments take on a whole new meaning.

The Unibet app pulls you even deeper into the action. You can follow selected events live on Unibet TV straight from your phone or tablet, or keep tabs on live commentary and stats as your bet inches closer to landing. With live streaming on plenty of football and racing, you do not just bet on the game, you watch it unfold in the same place. And when a Cash Out option is available, the app makes it quick and easy to act on it before the moment passes.

Best of all, the app brings everything that makes the betting site great and slips it into your pocket. No firing up a laptop to check a price: in a few taps you have the latest odds, your open bets and the live action right there. You can place wagers on the move, follow your selections wherever you are, and be confident you will never miss a goal, a wicket or a furlong. It is built to make betting better, not busier.

In play really comes into its own during a tournament, when there is live sport on almost every day and the picture can shift in an instant. A cagey first half might open right up after the break, a red card can flip a contest on its head, and the prices move to keep pace. Watching with the app in hand means you can hold your nerve, read how the game is actually going, and back your judgement at the right moment rather than committing blind beforehand. Paired with live streaming and up to the second stats, it turns following a match into something interactive, where your feel for how a game tends to flow can be every bit as valuable as knowing the two teams.

Cash Out puts you in the driving seat

Cash Out is one of those features that quickly becomes second nature once you have used it. In short, it lets you settle a bet early, before the event has finished, by taking an offered return there and then rather than waiting for the final result. If your selection is flying and you want to lock something in, you can. If a game is turning against you and you would rather rescue part of your stake, you can do that too. The value offered moves with the live odds, so it rises and falls as the action swings.

You will often find both full and partial Cash Out available. Full Cash Out closes the whole bet in one go, while partial Cash Out lets you take some of the return now and leave the rest running, which is handy when you fancy banking a little certainty while keeping a slice of the upside alive. On the app it is all just a tap away, with the current offer shown live next to your bet.

There are moments when Cash Out is temporarily paused, usually when something is unfolding in the event that could swing your slip, but it returns as soon as the picture settles. Used thoughtfully, it is a genuinely useful way to manage your bets and stay in control, turning a single decision at kick off into something you can shape all the way through. It is your bet, so it should feel like your call.

Build your own bet, exactly how you see it

The Unibet Bet Builder is where your reading of a game really comes to life. Rather than settling for the markets laid out in front of you, you create your own, combining several outcomes from a match into one bet with a single, boosted price. Think a team to win, a particular player to score and a certain number of cards, all wrapped into one. If you can picture how the game will go, you can build a bet around it.

It is brilliantly flexible. You can stack multiple selections into a single match bet, and with the wider Bet Builder you have the option to bring in markets across more than one game, with room for up to a dozen selections in a single slip. That opens the door to some genuinely creative bets, whether you are leaning on a tactical hunch or simply backing the storylines you expect to play out across a full matchday.

The Bet Builder shines on the big occasions, and a summer tournament is tailor made for it. Picture combining a result, a scoreline lean and a standout performer in one of this year's marquee fixtures, then watching it all unfold together. It is one of the most popular ways our players bet, because it turns a passive watch into an edge of the seat affair where every detail you called is suddenly in play.

Offers, free bets and the Unibet Fanzone

We value our new customers and our loyal regulars in equal measure, which is why there is usually something on to liven up your betting. New players can look out for a welcome offer when they sign up, while existing customers get a steady rotation of promotions through the season, from Bet Builder boosts and Refer a Friend rewards to money back specials, enhanced prices and loyalty perks. As always, each offer comes with its own terms and conditions, so a quick read before you opt in is time well spent.

The action ramps up around the big events, and there is no bigger event than the one filling screens this summer. That is where the Unibet Fanzone comes into its own, gathering the tournament inspired offers, specials and sportsbook features into one easy to find place. It is the natural first stop before a big match, so you can see what is available and pick out anything that fits the bet you already had in mind.

None of these offers promise a win, because no offer ever could, and that is exactly how it should be. What they do is add a little extra value and a bit more fun to the betting you were going to enjoy anyway. Check what is live, read the details, and take advantage of the ones that suit your style. The best approach is always to treat an offer as a nice bonus on top, never a reason to bet beyond what you planned.

Why your bets feel right at home with Unibet

Our team is forever working to give you the best online betting experience we can, and that comes down to a few things we refuse to compromise on: security, variety and a site that is genuinely easy to use. Safety sits at the heart of it. Your details are protected with encryption, your funds are kept secure, and a full suite of safer gambling tools lets you track your activity and take a break whenever you want one. You should never have to think twice about whether you are in a safe pair of hands.

Then there is the sheer scope of what is on offer. With a catalogue spanning the major sports, the niche corners and the special events, you will never be short of something to follow. The breadth is matched by the depth of markets on each event, so once you have found your sport you can dig as deep as you like. And the whole thing is wrapped in a site and app designed to feel quick and intuitive, whether it is your first ever bet or your thousandth.

Put simply, a betting site worth your time needs a strong range of sports, clear and interesting markets, and a platform that is a pleasure to use. We pride ourselves on ticking all three, because we are sports enthusiasts first and foremost, building the kind of sportsbook we would want to use ourselves. Rookies and seasoned players alike have made Unibet their home for exactly that reason, and the door is always open if you fancy joining them.

There is more to it than the breadth of the catalogue, too. The little things add up: prices that move quickly with the action, an app that does everything the site does without the fuss, and features like Cash Out and the Bet Builder that hand you real control over how you bet. It all sits on a platform built and licensed to do things the right way, with your security and your enjoyment treated as two sides of the same coin. That blend of range, polish and trust is what keeps players coming back season after season, and it is the standard we hold ourselves to every single day.

Deposits, withdrawals and a vault built for trust

Money matters should be the least stressful part of betting, so we keep them simple and secure. Adding funds to your account takes seconds using the everyday payment methods you already trust, and your details are protected behind encryption every step of the way. When it is time to take your money out, the process is just as clean: request a withdrawal, and it heads back the way it came once everything checks out.

Those checks are there for a reason, and they are a sign of a sportsbook doing things properly. As a licensed operator we are required to verify who you are, which protects your account, keeps the platform safe and helps make sure betting stays the preserve of adults. Occasionally a withdrawal needs a quick identity confirmation before it clears, and clearing that early when you open your account means your future payouts run smoothly. It is a small upfront step that saves time later.

We will always be upfront about how this works, because trust is everything in this corner of the internet. You should know where your money is, how to move it, and that it is safe while it sits with us. No hidden mechanics, no nasty surprises, just a straightforward, secure way to fund the bets you want to place and collect what is yours when your selections come good.

Help that is always a tap away

Even on the smoothest sportsbook, questions crop up, and when they do you should not have to wait long for an answer. Our support team is on hand to help with the everyday stuff, from a query about a market or a bet slip to a question about your account or a payment. You will find clear help articles for the common questions, and a friendly human ready to step in when you need one.

The aim is to get you back to the action as quickly as possible, with the minimum of fuss. Whether you are brand new and finding your feet or a long time player who has hit a snag, the same principle applies: clear answers, delivered without the runaround. Good support is one of those things you only notice when it is missing, so we make sure it never is.

Your group by group guide to the 2026 Football Cup

Now to the main event. Forty eight nations have been drawn into twelve groups of four, and over the opening fortnight every one of them plays three games, chasing a place in the expanded knockout rounds. Below is your complete tour of the draw, group by group, with a quick route into every single fixture so you can find the match you want in seconds. Think of it as the index to the whole tournament. Pick a group, pick a game, and you are one tap from the markets.

Group A: the hosts set the tone

Group A hands the spotlight to one of the host nations, and Mexico get the whole tournament rolling. They settle the nerves first with the hosts' opening night against South Africa, a chance to feed off a deafening home crowd before the real jeopardy arrives. The section opens up fast from there. There is real intrigue in South Korea testing themselves against a well organised Czechia, a meeting of two sides who both fancy their chances of slipping through.

The middle round could shape the whole group. Keep an eye on Mexico's clash with a quick, fearless South Korea, a contrast of styles that could go almost any way, while Czechia's encounter with South Africa carries plenty of weight for two teams who know points here are precious. By the final round the maths usually gets tense, and the game that may well decide top spot, as Czechia face the hosts could be box office. Add in South Africa and South Korea trading blows for a qualifying spot and you have a group with a host nation under pressure and three challengers smelling an opening.

Group B: Canada open the doors

The second of the host nations takes centre stage in Group B, with Canada getting things under way in the co-hosts' welcome party against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Roared on at home, they will fancy a fast start. There is plenty of European nous in this section too, and Qatar's tricky examination against Switzerland is a useful early gauge of who is ready to push on.

The group tightens through the middle rounds. The well drilled Swiss meet a spirited side in Switzerland's head to head with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the hosts have a serious chance to bank points in Canada's home date with Qatar. The closing round could decide everything. There is a real edge to the night Switzerland travel to face Canada, a likely shootout for a strong finishing position, and you should not overlook Bosnia and Herzegovina squaring up to Qatar, the kind of final round fixture that can swing a group on its head. With a host nation and a rugged European outfit both fancied, the margins look fine.

Group C: Brazil bring the samba

Few sections carry the same star power as Group C, where Brazil arrive as one of the most watchable teams on the planet. Their tournament begins with an eye catching opener as Brazil meet Morocco, a serious test against a side that has made a habit of upsetting the odds. There is a Tartan flavour here too, with the Scotland faithful out in force for Scotland's first outing against Haiti, very much a game they will target.

Morocco look the most likely to push Brazil, and Scotland's gritty meeting with Morocco could go a long way to settling second place. The favourites should fancy themselves in Brazil welcoming Haiti to the grandest stage, though tournaments rarely run to script. The pick of the lot for many neutrals will be the Tartan Army's showdown with Brazil, a genuine David and Goliath occasion, while Morocco's contest with Haiti could be the match that decides who joins the Brazilians in the knockouts. Flair at one end, drama at the other.

Group D: the United States take the stage

The third host nation headlines Group D, and the United States open up in front of their own supporters in the home team's curtain raiser with Paraguay. Expect noise, colour and a side desperate to set the tone. The section has a lively look elsewhere, with Australia's spiky encounter against Türkiye pitting two well matched outfits who could both fancy a run.

The middle round brings a real marker in the United States facing a determined Australia, often the kind of fixture that separates the qualifiers from the also rans. Türkiye carry plenty of quality, and their battle with Paraguay could be pivotal for both. The closing round looks tasty: Türkiye's date with the host nation has the makings of a winner takes more occasion, and Paraguay and Australia scrapping for whatever is still on the table could prove every bit as fraught. A host nation favourite, three rivals who all believe: this one should run to the wire.

Group E: Germany lead the way

Group E is anchored by a heavyweight, with Germany among the names tipped to go deep. They begin against the smallest nation in the field in Germany's opener with the spirited Curaçao, a chance to find their rhythm early. The fight for the places behind them looks fascinating, and Ivory Coast's clash with Ecuador could be a defining moment for two sides eyeing the runner up spot.

Germany face their stiffest group test in their meeting with a powerful Ivory Coast, the kind of fixture that can flatter or expose a fancied team. Ecuador are made of stubborn stuff, and their game against Curaçao carries the weight of a must win. The final round could be loaded, with the night Ecuador try to upset Germany a potential banana skin for the favourites, and Curaçao's underdog tie with Ivory Coast offering the tournament's smallest nation a shot at a famous result. Class at the top, a genuine scrap beneath it.

Group F: the Dutch get going

Total football still travels, and Group F gives the Netherlands top billing. They start with the Dutch unfurling against an energetic Japan, a meeting with one of the most improved sides in world football. Scandinavia is represented too, and Sweden's encounter with Tunisia is the sort of finely balanced opener that can set the tone for a whole campaign.

The group has a real European subplot in the Netherlands meeting Sweden, a clash that could decide who tops the section, while Tunisia's contest with Japan pits two sides who will back themselves to cause a stir. The drama builds to the final round. There is intrigue in Japan going toe to toe with Sweden, often a decisive clash for a knockout berth, and the section signs off with Tunisia's finale against the Netherlands, a last day fixture that could carry serious stakes. Flair, organisation and a couple of dangerous outsiders make this a hard group to call.

Group G: Belgium chase a fast start

Group G is led by a golden generation still hungry for a major prize, as Belgium open their bid in Belgium launching their campaign against Egypt, a meeting with a proud footballing nation that will fancy an upset. The early action runs deep, with Iran's opener against New Zealand a key first step for two sides chasing the places behind the favourites.

Belgium meet stubborn resistance in their test against a well drilled Iran, exactly the sort of low block that can frustrate a fancied team. Down the order, New Zealand facing Egypt could be a quietly pivotal contest for both. The final round brings the heat, with Egypt and Iran going head to head shaping up as a potential decider, while New Zealand's daunting closing assignment against Belgium gives the underdogs a crack at one of the tournament's big names. A clear favourite, then a tight three way fight for the rest.

Group H: Spain set the standard

If there is a section that screams quality at the top, it is Group H, with Spain among the leading fancies to lift the trophy. They begin with Spain getting their tournament going against Cape Verde, a chance to bed in their passing game. There is real bite below them, and Saudi Arabia's meeting with a battle hardened Uruguay is an intriguing opener between two sides who relish the big stage.

Spain should be tested by a physical, organised outfit in their encounter with Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay taking on Cape Verde looks like a must win for the South Americans. The closing round could be a cracker. Keep an eye on Cape Verde's clash with Saudi Arabia, potentially a straight shootout for survival, and circle the heavyweight finale between Uruguay and Spain, a meeting of serious pedigree that could decide who marches on as group winners. There is top class football in store across all three rounds here, which makes Group H one to follow closely.

Group I: France bring the firepower

Group I is built around one of the tournament favourites, with France boasting a squad most countries could only dream of. They open up in France launching against a dangerous Senegal, a meeting with the kind of athletic, well coached side that can trouble anyone. There is a Scandinavian storyline too, and Norway begin with Norway's first test against Iraq, a useful early gauge for a side many tip as the top outsider in the whole field.

France should be value for their billing in their meeting with Iraq, though they will know complacency is the enemy. The fight for second looks vivid, with Norway's lively clash with Senegal shaping as a possible decider. Save a slot in the diary for the much anticipated meeting of Norway and France, a marquee occasion full of attacking talent, and do not sleep on Senegal and Iraq battling for a knockout place, the sort of final round tussle that can spring a surprise. Star quality up top, real jeopardy beneath.

Group J: the holders begin their defence

There is a champion's aura over Group J, where Argentina arrive as the reigning world champions after their triumph in 2022. Their defence kicks off with the title holders beginning against Algeria, a meeting with a gifted African side that will fear no one. The section has a European edge as well, with Austria's opener against Jordan a chance for the well organised Austrians to lay down a marker.

The champions face a sterner European examination in Argentina's encounter with Austria, while Jordan facing Algeria could be decisive in the chase for a qualifying spot. The drama peaks late on. There is real romance in Jordan's showdown with the holders, an underdog handed a shot at the champions, and plenty riding on Algeria's deciding game against Austria, a last round fixture that could send either through. The champions are fancied, but this group has trapdoors.

Group K: Portugal carry the flair

Group K offers a heady mix of European pedigree and emerging talent, with Portugal among the dark horses many fancy for a deep run. They open in Portugal launching their tournament against DR Congo, a test against a powerful, pacy African outfit. The section has genuine spice elsewhere, and Uzbekistan's debut clash with Colombia pairs a rising Asian force with a vibrant South American side.

Portugal should have too much in their meeting with Uzbekistan, but tournaments have a habit of humbling the fancied, so nothing is a given. Colombia look the chief threat for top spot, and Colombia taking on DR Congo is a heavyweight tussle in its own right. The headline act arrives in the final round with Colombia's box office tie against Portugal, a likely shootout for the group, while DR Congo and Uzbekistan chasing a third place finish reminds us that even the also rans have plenty to play for under the new format. Flair, pace and a proper contest at the top.

Group L: England chase the dream

We finish with the group that will have the home nations buzzing, as England headline Group L carrying the hopes of a country. Their campaign opens with England's blockbuster meeting with Croatia, a renewal of a rivalry that still stirs strong memories. The section runs deep, and Ghana's clash with Panama is an enticing opener between two sides who will believe they can reach the knockouts.

England will be expected to push on in their meeting with a dangerous Ghana, while Panama testing a battle scarred Croatia could go a long way to settling second place. The closing round is loaded for the home support, with Panama's daunting assignment against England a chance for the favourites to finish in style, and Croatia's final group game against Ghana potentially deciding who joins them. With England in the mix and three live underdogs, expect this group to grab the nation's full attention.

Out of the groups and into the knockout rounds

The expanded format keeps the group stage tense right to the last kick. The top two from each of the twelve groups go through automatically, and they are joined by the eight best third placed sides, which means a strong third can still book a ticket. That single tweak changes the whole complexion of the final round of fixtures, because a team that might once have been out can suddenly find itself clinging to a knockout place by goal difference. Every goal, in every group, can matter to somebody.

From there the tournament opens into a long, drama filled bracket: a round of thirty two, then the last sixteen, the quarter finals, the semi finals and finally the showpiece on the 19th of July. It is more knockout football than ever before, which means more one off occasions, more penalty shootouts and more of those unforgettable nights that define a summer. For bettors, it also means a rolling calendar of fresh markets as each tie is confirmed, so there is always a new match to study and a new price to weigh up.

The knockouts are where outsiders write their legends and favourites discover whether they can handle the pressure. As the bracket takes shape, you will be able to follow each tie market by market, from the straight result and the half time picture to whether a game goes the distance and is settled from the spot. Keep this page handy, because once the groups wrap up, the road to the trophy gets very interesting indeed.

There is a particular thrill to knockout betting that the group stage cannot quite match. With no second chances, every tie becomes its own little drama, and the markets reflect that tension. You can take a side simply to advance, which folds extra time and penalties into a single call, or you can dig into the ninety minutes with the result, the goals and whether the game will be settled the hard way from the spot. Underdogs tend to dig in and make life awkward for the favourites, so the obvious price is not always the smart one. As the bracket narrows and the contenders reveal themselves, each round serves up a fresh set of one off occasions to study, and that is precisely when a tournament becomes impossible to look away from.

Backing a nation to lift the trophy: outright betting

If you would rather take a longer view than a single match, the outright winner market is where the big picture lives. It is one of the most popular ways to follow a tournament, because a single selection keeps you invested from the opening whistle all the way to the final, win or lose. You back a nation before kick off, then ride every twist of their journey with a stake on the outcome. There is no better way to adopt a second team for the summer.

At the head of the betting you will find the usual giants. Spain and France are widely fancied to lead the way, blessed with squads of remarkable depth, with England, Brazil and the reigning world champions Argentina all firmly in the conversation. Portugal and Germany carry the pedigree to go deep, the Netherlands sit just a rung back, and Norway are the outsider plenty of shrewd judges have their eye on. Beyond the favourites lies the real fun of an outright market: the value picks, the nations with a kind looking route, and the dark horses priced to reward a bit of faith.

There is more to the long game than just the winner, too. You can back a nation simply to reach the final, to win their group, or to make it to a particular stage before bowing out, which can be a smart way to support a side you rate without needing them to conquer the world. As the tournament unfolds and the contenders separate themselves from the pack, these markets stay lively and worth a look. Pick your nation, enjoy the ride, and remember that even the strongest favourite is never a sure thing, which is exactly what makes it such a thrill.

A sensible way to approach the outright is to think about the journey as much as the name. A nation's route through the bracket can matter as much as the quality of its squad, because a kind looking path can carry a good side a long way, while a brutal draw can undo one of the favourites earlier than anyone expected. Form coming into the tournament, the depth to cope with injuries and suspensions, and the temperament to handle a shootout all feed into the picture. You do not have to back the eventual winner to enjoy the market either, since supporting a side to reach the final, or simply to go further than their price suggests, can be just as rewarding to follow. Take your time, trust your read, and pick the story you most want to watch unfold across the summer.

The tournament markets that bring every match alive

Beyond the outright picture, the depth of markets on the tournament is what keeps every single matchday interesting. On the player side, the top goalscorer market is a summer long favourite, inviting you to back the striker you think will fire their way to the golden boot. It runs the length of the competition, so a single pick gives you a reason to watch every game your player features in. Add in the to qualify and group winner markets and you have plenty of ways to express a view without staking everything on one result.

Match by match, the menu is rich. On any given game you can take the straightforward result, lean into the goals with over or under and both teams to score, or get specific with player performances, cards, corners and the method of the next goal. The half time and full time markets reward a reading of how a match will ebb and flow, while the correct score is there for the brave. Whatever angle you see, there is usually a market that fits it, which is half the fun of a tournament with this many fixtures.

This is also where the Bet Builder really earns its keep. Combine a result with a scoreline lean and a standout performer in one of the marquee ties, and you have turned a single game into an edge of the seat watch. You can mix markets within a match or stretch a slip across a full matchday, building exactly the bet your gut is telling you to make. From the opening group games right through to the final, the variety means there is always something fresh to get involved in, and always a way to make the match you are watching matter just that little bit more.

What makes a tournament this size so absorbing for bettors is that the markets never stand still. New fixtures arrive almost every day in the group stage, each one carrying its own full menu, so there is always a fresh match to study and a fresh angle to weigh up. The long running markets, like the top goalscorer or a nation to reach a certain stage, give the whole summer a thread to follow, while the matchday markets keep each individual game alive from the first whistle to the last. Whether you like to plan a slip the night before or react to how a game is unfolding in front of you, the sheer range means you are never short of something to get involved in, and every result somewhere on the schedule tends to matter to somebody.

Keeping the fun in it: safer gambling at Unibet

Betting should always be enjoyable, and it stays that way when you keep it in proportion. Online betting with Unibet is strictly for those aged 18 and over, and as a sportsbook licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, we take that responsibility seriously. The simple golden rule is to treat betting as entertainment, set yourself a budget you are comfortable with, and never stake more than you can afford to lose. When the fun stops, stop.

To help you stay in control, your account comes with a full set of safer gambling tools. You can set deposit, loss and time limits, use reality checks to keep track of how long you have been playing, and take a break whenever you need one. If you ever want a longer pause, self exclusion options are available, and you can register with the national self exclusion scheme GAMSTOP, which lets you exclude across participating operators in one go. These tools are there for everyone, and using them is a sign of betting smart, not a sign of trouble.

A good habit is to set your limits when you first open your account, while your head is clear and before any result has gone your way or against you. Decide what a sensible weekly budget looks like for you, put a deposit limit in place to match it, and let a reality check nudge you if a session runs longer than you meant it to. None of this takes the enjoyment out of betting. If anything, it protects it, because the fun lasts longest when you are always betting within your means. Big tournaments can tempt anyone into chasing the action a little harder than usual, so it is worth keeping these controls front of mind through a busy summer of football.

If you or someone you know is finding gambling difficult, free, confidential support is always within reach. You can speak to the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, and find advice and support through BeGambleAware and GamCare. Helping you enjoy your betting safely matters more to us than any single bet. Finally, a quick note on the numbers across this page: odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change, so always check the live price before you confirm a bet.

So there you have it, your complete home for the biggest summer in football and a sportsbook built to keep you entertained long after the trophy is lifted. Dive into the group games, find your outright fancy, build the bet only you can see, and most of all, enjoy every minute of it. Good luck, have fun, and we will see you on the big nights.