World Cup 2026: England second favourites as Tuchel extends contract to Euros

England are 6/17.00 to win this year's World Cup after Thomas Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension that should take him to the 2028 European Championships. 

The German was expected to leave after this summer's tournament in North America but, with England performing well under his stewardship, said this morning that he didn't hesitate when extending his deal, hailing the role as his "dream job".

He will take England into the major summer tournament as second favourite in Betfair's World Cup winner market.

England fancied after 100% qualifying campaign

England won eight out of eight of their qualifiers for the World Cup and only Spain 9/25.50 are a shorter price than the Three Lions in the outright winner market on the Betfair Sportsbook. 

France 13/27.50, 2022 winners Argentina 8/19.00 and Brazil 8/19.00 are also expected to be contenders in the World Cup 2026 betting.

Tuchel took charge in January last year on an 18-month contract. He was given a simple brief - win the 2026 World Cup - and so far the signs are promising that the team could end their 70-year wait for a major trophy. 

England reached the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, in Qatar in 2022, as well as consecutive finals at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. You can back England to reach another final in Betfair's World Cup finalists betting

The team's World Cup qualifying campaign clicked into gear with their 5-0 win over Serbia in September. They won their remaining three qualifiers without conceding a goal. 

Tuchel has reinvigorated Harry Kane, who was lacklustre at Euro 2024 but back to his best in World Cup qualifying, and is right at the top of the Golden Boot odds, as well as bringing through young players such as Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers.

There is ferocious competition for places, with star man Jude Bellingham struggling to make the starting 11 at times under Tuchel.  

The current manager has built on the achievements of the Gareth Southgate era and put his own mark on the team.  By signing a contract extension now, he has ended uncertainty about his and England's future, so they can focus on winning the World Cup this summer.

Beyond that, Euro 2028 will be hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, so we should be in for a special tournament.

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