A poll indicates "France" will win the "World Cup 2026" and recognizes "England" as the top favorite team among Thai supporters who cheer for them.
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 19 July 2026, this event has drawn continuous interest and attention from the Thai public. To reflect public perspectives and opinions, KBU SPORT POLL from Kasem Bundit University, through its Human Capital Development Innovation Center in collaboration with the Wisdom Institute of Sports Management and the B Bangpakong page, conducted a public opinion survey on the theme "The 2026 World Cup Phenomenon and Thai Society."
The survey was conducted online and via telephone interviews from 8 to 10 June 2026, sampling 1,158 individuals aged 18 and above. The sample comprised 702 men (60.63%), 327 women (28.24%), and 129 LGBTQIA+ respondents (11.13%). Overall analysis showed the following results.
*Interest in following the tournament: 81.05% of respondents expressed interest, 12.30% were undecided or dependent on opportunity, and 6.65% were not interested.
*Channels for following the event: 75.20% preferred social media, followed by 11.03% television, 7.00% radio broadcasting, 4.11% newspapers, and 2.66% other sources.
*Teams respondents were interested in following and supporting:
Rank 1: 89.50% England
Rank 2: 86.61% France
Rank 3: 82.30% Spain
Rank 4: 78.55% Japan
Rank 5: 75.92% Brazil
Rank 6: 70.10% Germany
Rank 7: 68.32% Argentina
Rank 8: 64.00% Netherlands
Rank 9: 63.90% Portugal
Rank 10: 62.42% South Korea
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*Teams predicted to win the championship:
Rank 1: 89.10% France
Rank 2: 84.15% Spain
Rank 3: 81.90% England
Rank 4: 78.85% Argentina
Rank 5: 75.22% Brazil
Rank 6: 72.35% Germany
Rank 7: 68.88% Japan
Rank 9: 65.00% Portugal
Rank 10: 62.66% Netherlands
*World Cup phenomenon and potential issues affecting Thai lifestyles and society: 28.16% identified gambling problems as the top concern, followed by 24.55% health issues/lack of rest, 18.09% stress and anxiety, 16.82% crime problems, 10.00% issues related to work or study, and 2.38% other concerns.
Associate Professor Dr. Ratthapong Boonyanuwat, Director of the Human Capital Development Innovation Center at Kasem Bundit University, added that the World Cup is one of the most popular global sports events, continuously followed by fans worldwide, including Thai sports enthusiasts. Considering the 48 participating countries this time, the survey found that most respondents or sports fans expect the French national team to reclaim their former glory by winning the championship again. Additionally, they noted that the English team is the favorite that Thai football fans will most eagerly support.
However, in every World Cup tournament, when considering the various phenomena, especially issues that may impact society and everyday life, these align with this survey’s findings. Most respondents believe gambling problems rank among the top issues that responsible agencies must be aware of, prevent, and address.