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 layoff, 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.
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.
Six Nations Championship Overview
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men’s rugby union competition contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
The Six Nations Championship carries significant weight for gamblers as the sport’s premier event. Due to its high popularity and visibility, it creates unique, tournament-specific markets with a short five-week window.
Odds to Win the 2026 Six Nations Championship:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| 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.
2026 Six Nations Rugby Match Highlights
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. Specifically, France, the favorites to retain their title, face an Irish side currently managing injury concerns in their front row.
Meanwhile, 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.
Naturally, 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.