Correlate that the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 5, 2026, with a historic opening night clash between defending champions France and Ireland in Paris. This marks the first time since 1948 that a tournament match has been held on a Thursday. France enters as the reigning champion, having reclaimed the title in 2025.

At the outset, France was the heavy favorite to retain its crown. Antoine Dupont returns to the squad after a long-term injury lay-off, though head coach Fabien Galthié has excluded veterans Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou from his 42-man roster.

Meanwhile, England boasts an 11-match winning streak heading into the tournament. Maro Itoje continues as captain, with winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso highlighted as a key threat after a strong November campaign.

Naturally, newer gamblers will ask who Has Won the Most Six Nations? The answer is England and France with seven.

2026 Six Nations Rugby Overview

Of great concern is that Ireland faces a difficult start with significant injury concerns. Key players like Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen are absent, and star center Bundee Aki is suspended for the first three rounds. Caelan Doris continues as captain.

Italy is showing notable improvement under Gonzalo Quesada. Due to injuries, they are currently missing stars like Ange Capuozzo and Seb Negri.

Scotland is often described as being at a "last chance saloon" for coach Gregor Townsend. Consider that recent inconsistent performances have tempered expectations.

Finally, Wales is starting from scratch with new head coach Steve Tandy after back-to-back Wooden Spoons.

What Is the Six Nations Championship?

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men's rugby union competition contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

Why the Six Nations Matters for Bettors

The Six Nations Championship carries significant weight for gamblers as the sport's premier event. Due to its high popularity and visibility, unique tournament-specific markets with a short five-week window.

2026 Six Nations Fixtures and Betting Lines

Odds to Win the 2026 Six Nations Championship: France -126, England +265, Ireland +640, Scotland +1200, Wales +3500, Italy +7000

6 Nations Fixtures and Match Schedule

Round 1

Feb. 5 – France vs. Ireland – 3:10 p.m. ET
Feb. 7 – Italy vs. Scotland – 9:10 a.m. ET
Feb. 7 – England vs. Wales – 11:40 a.m. ET

Round 2

Feb. 14 – Ireland vs. Italy – 9:10 a.m. ET
Feb. 14 – Scotland vs. England – 11:40 a.m. ET
Feb. 15 – Wales vs. France – 10:10 a.m. ET

Round 3

Feb. 21 – England vs. Ireland – 9:10 a.m. ET
Feb. 21 – Wales vs. Scotland – 11:40 a.m. ET
Feb. 22 – France vs. Italy – 10:10 a.m. ET

Round 4

March 6 – Ireland vs. Wales – 3:10 p.m. ET
March 7 – Scotland vs. France – 9:10 a.m. ET
March 7 – Italy vs. England – 11:40 a.m. ET

Round 5

March 14 – Ireland vs. Scotland – 10:10 a.m. ET
March 14 – Wales vs. Italy – 12:40 p.m. ET
March 14 – France vs. England – 4:10 p.m. ET

Peacock will provide streaming coverage in the United States.

Key Betting Lines to Know

In the first round, France is a -650 favorite against Ireland, who is a +490 dog.

England is a massive -10000 favorite over Wales, who is a +2700 dog.

2026 Key Matchups and Predictions

In the first round, all eyes will be on France vs. Ireland. The tournament's historic Thursday night opener is a clash between the last two champions. France, the favorites to retain their title, face an Irish side currently managing injury concerns in their front row.

Matchups That Could Shape the Round

England vs. Wales in Round 1 could have an impact, as one of rugby's oldest rivalries takes place early at Allianz Stadium. Wales is seeking a rebound after two consecutive "Wooden Spoons" and will benefit from the return of Louis Rees-Zammit from the NFL.

Six Nations Rugby Predictions

Defending champions France enter the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations as the odds-on favorites to retain their title. Following their 2025 championship win, Les Bleus are bolstered by the return of captain Antoine Dupont from a long-term injury.

2026 Six Nations Betting Tips and Picks

Top Picks for This Round

For the opening round of the Guinness Men's Six Nations, beginning Thursday, February 5, the consensus identifies France and England as heavy favorites in their respective matchups. Although expensive, the lines are justified.

General Betting Tips

France's Antoine Dupont returns as captain after an 8-month injury layoff. His presence significantly reinforces France as the "safest" bet of the weekend. Consider that some models predict a double-digit margin of victory.

In turn, England faces Wales in "Year Zero" of a rebuild under new coach Steve Tandy. With a massive 29.5-point handicap, betting on England to cover is popular due to Wales' recent struggle to score.

How the Six Nations Table Impacts Odds

Caused by updated results, the Six Nations table is the primary driver of fluctuations in betting odds throughout the tournament. As teams accumulate points, bookmakers adjust "Outright Winner" and "Grand Slam" rugby odds markets based on their path to the title.