The 6 Nations is the highlight of the rugby sporting calendar. From Dublin's bustling pubs to the Welsh valleys, the air is thick with anticipation.
The 2026 Six Nations is set to be one of the best yet. The opening clash between France and Ireland will be a thrilling curtain-raiser to the 2026 tournament.
The fixture is scheduled for 8:10 PM on Thursday, February 5th 2026 so mark that date and time in your calendars.
The action continues two days later with Italy hosting Scotland and Wales travelling to Twickenham to face England.
But the big questions on everyone's lips are: Who will clinch the top spot, and who's destined for the Wooden Spoon?
We've got the latest odds, predictions for the tournament, and an in-depth look at the current favourites for the coveted Grand Slam.
The 6 Nations 2026 Odds
(*correct as of December 8th 2025)
| Outright Winners | Odds |
|---|---|
| France | 4/6 |
| England | 11/4 |
| Ireland | 5/1 |
| Scotland | 14/1 |
| Wales | 100/1 |
| Italy | 150/1 |
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Betting on the Six Nations
As the giants of European rugby clash, Betfred.com brings the excitement right to your fingertips with an unparalleled selection of special bets on the tournament.
Whether you're an avid rugby fan or a betting enthusiast looking for competitive odds, they've got you covered.
Six Nations Betting Specials:
Total Tournament Points: Predict the overall scoring and celebrate every try, conversion, and penalty.
Total Tournament Red Cards: Gauge the discipline and anticipate the moments that could turn the games on their heads.
Grand Slam Winner: Back the nation you believe will sweep all before them in a flawless victory march.
Tournament Top Tryscorer: Put your support behind the player you think will cross the line more than any other.
Betting Without France: Fancy the competition's dynamics without the French flair? This market offers a unique twist on traditional bets.
2026 6 Nations Favourites
France are once again the bookmakers’ favourites to win the 2026 Six Nations, having lifted the trophy in 2025 after a tense final day showdown with England and Ireland.
Their autumn campaign saw mixed results, but their status as defending champions and the depth of their squad keep them at the top of the betting odds.
England, meanwhile, have surged up the World Rugby rankings to third place, overtaking Ireland, and their recent 11-match winning streak, including a strong autumn series, has built real momentum behind Steve Borthwick’s side.
Ireland, despite a Triple Crown in 2025, have struggled for consistency and appear to be in a transitional phase, dropping slightly in the rankings.
Scotland showed flashes of brilliance in the autumn, particularly in their demolition of Tonga, but their overall record remains patchy and they’re seen as outsiders for the title.
Wales continue to rebuild under new management and were left at the bottom of the Six Nations table in 2025, with injuries and a lack of cohesion hampering their progress.
Italy remains the long shot, with a growing fan base but limited results to back up their optimism.
With home fixtures against both England and Ireland, France will be tough to beat, but England’s current form and confidence mean they’re the most likely challengers.
However, based on recent rankings, autumn results, and squad depth, France remain the most probable winners of the 2026 Six Nations, though England could well push them all the way.
That said, while the odds and statistics favour France, I think England will win the 6 Nations in 2026.
Ireland & Scotland
Ireland and Scotland sit intriguingly as the third and fourth favourites, each with clear upside but a few red flags to consider.
Ireland’s odds around 5/1 reflect a side that still has the core of its 2025 Six Nations squad and a game plan that, when it clicks, looks good enough to trouble anyone.
Their Autumn campaign was mixed, though: big wins over Japan and Australia reminded everyone of their attacking ceiling, but defeats to New Zealand and South Africa exposed discipline issues and some creaking depth in the pack.
If Andy Farrell can tighten up the penalty count and keep his frontline players fit, Ireland absolutely have a title run in them, especially with a strong home record in Dublin.
Scotland, out at roughly 14/1, feel more like dark horses than true favourites, but they are dangerous enough to ruin someone else’s championship.
Their Autumn series summed them up perfectly: a huge win over the USA, a ruthless 56–0 hammering of Tonga, but frustrating losses to New Zealand and a capitulation against Argentina after leading 21–0.
Gregor Townsend’s side has star power through players like Duhan van der Merwe and a backline that can hurt teams from anywhere, yet questions linger about their composure and squad depth over a five‑round slog.
Right now, Ireland look the more realistic challenger, with Scotland best viewed as a lively outsider who might nick a famous scalp or two rather than go all the way.
6 Nations 2026 Fixture List
| Round | Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 5 February 2026 | 8.10pm | France vs Ireland | Stade de France, Paris |
| 7 February 2026 | 2.10pm | Italy vs Scotland | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | |
| 7 February 2026 | 4.40pm | England vs Wales | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | |
| Round 2 | 14 February 2026 | 2.10pm | Ireland vs Italy | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| 14 February 2026 | 4.40pm | Scotland vs England | Murrayfield, Edinburgh | |
| 15 February 2026 | 3.10pm | Wales vs France | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | |
| Round 3 | 21 February 2026 | 2.10pm | Italy vs France | Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille |
| 21 February 2026 | 2.10pm | England vs Ireland | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | |
| 21 February 2026 | 4.40pm | Wales vs Scotland | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | |
| Round 4 | 6 March 2026 | 8.10pm | Ireland vs Wales | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| 7 March 2026 | 2.10pm | Scotland vs France | Murrayfield, Edinburgh | |
| 7 March 2026 | 4.40pm | Italy vs England | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | |
| Round 5 | 14 March 2026 | 2.10pm | Ireland vs Scotland | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| 14 March 2026 | 4.40pm | Wales vs Italy | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | |
| 14 March 2026 | 8.10pm | France vs England | Stade de France, Paris |
2026 6 Nations Prediction as of December 8th 2025
The 2026 Six Nations Championship kicks off with a bang, as two tournament powerhouses, France and Ireland, face each other right out of the gate.
The final fixture on of the entire tournament will, in my opinion, determine the winner when France play hosts to England at Stade de France.
Likewise, earlier in the day, Wales are home to Italy and I predict that the visitors will, yet again, give the Welsh a run for their money.
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Prediction: England to Win the Six Nations 2026
Why England?
With Betfred odds for both teams set so close, France and England are practically neck and neck. But we're leaning towards the English for a few key reasons:
- England's exceptional current form includes an 11-match winning streak featuring victories over New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Argentina
- Squad depth has dramatically improved with emerging stars like Henry Pollock, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Max Ojomoh complementing established leaders
- England's fixture list favours them with three crucial home matches at Twickenham against Wales, Ireland, and Italy, meaning they control their own destiny in the tournament
If England can navigate their earlier fixtures and head to the Stade de France still in contention for a Grand Slam, their winning mentality and ability to handle pressure situations could see them make history and extend their streak to 16 consecutive victories – provided they beat Ireland first.
It will be another thrilling competition that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Betting on the Underdog?
For the daring bettor, there might be some value in wagering on who takes home the Wooden Spoon.
While the odds might not be as lucrative as predicting the Grand Slam winner, the risks involved in such a bet offer a different kind of excitement.
The Wooden Spoon may not come with the fanfare and glory of a Six Nations championship, but it carries its own set of dramas, debates, and, yes, shame.
But for teams and fans alike, it's also a poignant reminder that there's nowhere to go but up.
The Wooden Spoon: The Shame of Finishing Last in Six Nations
In Six Nations rugby, glory isn't the only outcome that captures attention. At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the “Wooden Spoon,” a term synonymous with finishing last in the tournament.
While no physical spoon is awarded, the metaphorical weight of the Wooden Spoon can hang heavily on any team unfortunate enough to “win” it.
Since the Six Nations kicked off in 2000, England and Ireland have never found themselves at the bottom of the table.
On the other hand, Italy has claimed the Wooden Spoon 18 times and suffered a clean sweep of losses 13 times.
A Legacy No One Wants
This not-so-coveted title has its roots steeped in sporting tradition. Although initially related to academic failure at Cambridge University, the Wooden Spoon has found its home in rugby, which serves as a reminder of underachievement.
Teams strive to avoid this ignominy, knowing that it will overshadow any flashes of brilliance they may have shown throughout the competition.
The Stigma Attached
Finishing last in the Six Nations isn't just a statistical note; it's an emotional burden.
It often sparks debates around coaching decisions, player form, and even the basic competency of a rugby program. The stain of the Wooden Spoon can last long after the tournament, affecting team morale.
Who's at Risk in 2026?
For 2026 Wales look the most likely wooden spoon, having finished bottom with five defeats in 2025 and now heading the betting for last place ahead of Italy.
Bookmakers make Wales clear favourites for the wooden spoon, reflecting a young, rebuilding squad that is still struggling to turn patches of promise into 80‑minute performances against Tier 1 opposition.
Italy’s recent improvement, under head coach Gonzalo Quesada, and home fixtures against Wales and Scotland further increase the pressure on Wales to avoid back‑to‑back bottom finishes.
