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The GOAT finally got the biggest prize in soccer. Lionel Messi and Argentina beat France to win the Albiceleste’s third WC trophy and first since Diego Maradonna led Argentina in 1986. How did Argentina beat France and win the title? We provide our take. Also, check out early FIFA World Cup Odds and way too early odds analysis for the 2026 tournament.

Soccer Betting Analysis: Why Argentina Won the Title & Early World Cup Odds for the Next Event

2026 FIFA World Cup

When: June – July, 2026
Where: North America – Canada, Mexico, the United States

Early 2026 World Cup Odds

Why Argentina won the World Cup

There are three reasons why Argentina beat France. First, Lionel Messi wouldn’t be denied.

The greatest player of all time stepped onto the pitch ultra-focused. He scored the first goal on a penalty kick and rallied his team emotionally late in the second half after Mbappe had cut the deficit with a penalty kick goal and a brilliant equalizer in the span of three minutes.

Second, Argentina manger and coach Lionel Scaloni started Angel Di Maria on the wing. Because France’s defense had to deal with Messi, Di Maria got a chance to go one-on-one with Dembele. Angel schooled Dembele for most of the match, including scoring the goal that pushed Argentina to a 2-0 lead.

Three, Emiliano Martinez plays in net for Argentina and Hugo Lloris plays in net for France. Don’t get us wrong. Lloris is a terrific keeper.

But Hugo admitted that he doesn’t do well with penalty kicks. That proved to be true. Aston Villa goalie Martinez won it for Argentina with an excellent block.

Also, Emiliano provided one of the most important saves in World Cup history when kicking the ball away from the net late in extra time.

Which team between Brazil and France is worth backing right now?

Brazil always has a solid team and the co-chalk won’t have to travel far in 2026 to try for another World Cup win. But France has the best player in the world on their team, Kylian Mbappe.

Not only will Mbappe return, but we can’t forget that France mounted the comeback against Argentina in regulation after Giroud and Griezmann went to the bench. France is loaded with quality young players.

Not only that, a lot of those young players missed the World Cup due to injuries.

Which team among the +1000 choices deserves the most attention four years out from the next World Cup?

This is tough because Argentina, Germany, and Spain have excellent national soccer programs. We want to say Germany just because they’re always good, but Spain has a lot of young players.

Still, it’s tough to look past Argentina. Scaloni is 44. So he should stay. He proved he’s a master technician. Not only that, but although Messi and Di Maria won’t play in 2026, Argentina is young.

Julian Alvarez is 22. Lautaro Martinez, who Scaloni benched during most of the tournament but is Inter Milan’s number 10, is 25.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is 23. Benfica mid Enzo Fernandez is 21 and Tottenham defender Christian Romero is 24. Scaloni gets most of his starters back for the repeat effort.

Which team at +1200 to +2000 odds deserves a look this early before the next World Cup?

Italy must be taken seriously. The Italians have failed to qualify in two straight World Cups. New Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is all about Italian pride.

There’s no way Meloni doesn’t put resources towards developing an incredible Italian soccer program. The talent should be there. So at the odds, the Azzuri are worth a look.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?