World Cup 2026 predictor

When the tournament begins, it will have been 20 years since the Azzurri played a knockout match at the World Cup – with their most recent such game being the 2006 final. Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina. Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off. Their route to this World Cup was not completely smooth, either, as they were left needing victory over Slovakia in their final Group A game to avoid the play-offs. But they won that match by a statement 6-0 scoreline, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané among the goals.

World Cup 2026 Office Pool Spreadsheet

That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference. This contest may be decided in extra time or penalties, favoring Senegal. The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces the most dramatic format change in tournament history, expanding to 48 teams and creating a brand-new bracket structure that reshapes how every round unfolds. With more nations, an added knockout round, and third-place teams advancing, predicting the full tournament path is more complex, and more intriguing, than ever. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams (32 in total), advance to the Round of 32.

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The USMNT has struggled mightily in recent years, but with home advantage and the leadership of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, there is every chance we see USA go on a run this tournament. Facing Paraguay, Turkey and Australia, it is very possible for the USMNT to make it through the group stage. With a number of experienced star players such as Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie in the lineup, don’t be shocked if we see Team USA make it to the Round of or maybe even further.

• Pick winners group by group, or auto-simulate the full tournament using FIFA rankings.
• HITC reporting also notes the footage has repeatedly resurfaced during major tournaments, rebranded each time as a supposed prediction.
• With more nations, an added knockout round, and third-place teams advancing, predicting the full tournament path is more complex, and more intriguing, than ever.
• Mexico’s consistency makes them a reliable choice, as well as playing at home, while South Korea’s speed can be dangerous on the counterattack.
• He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc.
• It’s hard to believe that it’s been 24 years since Brazil even appeared in a World Cup Final, much less win it.
• The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams (32 in total) advance to the knockout Round of 32.

Senegal are live contenders in the group too and will be eyeing a repeat of their seismic win over Les Bleus at the 2002 World Cup. Co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico will all fancy their chances of progressing into the knockout rounds and giving fans memories to cherish. There may be some doubt as to whether the Netherlands have enough quality in their squad to go the distance, but they certainly have enough experience and talent in their ranks to secure top spot in a potentially tricky group. Hannibal Mjebri may catch the eye as one of Tunisia’s key attackers, but the country’s captain, Skhiri, may have a bigger say in the team’s overall performance, and not just because of his role as a leader.

• ScorePoint AI treats them as probability ranges and compares them with safer markets such as BTTS and over/under goals.
• It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• The World Cup simulator is completely free to use, with no signup required and no limits on how many times you can simulate the tournament.
• Argentina vs United States – The US crashed out at this juncture in the last tournament staged on their soil, and history looks set to repeat itself against the reigning champions.
• Australia and Paraguay are organized enough to earn draws but remain long shots to advance ahead of the two favorites.
• As reported by HITC, the episode contains no reference to the FIFA World Cup, 2026, or any official international competition.
• Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
• With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
• A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
• USA, Mexico, and Canada are the host nations, while Argentina enters as the defending champion.
• At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.
• However, history is unlikely to repeat itself this time around, at least for the back-to-back World Cup finalists.

Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

• But they won that match by a statement 6-0 scoreline, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané among the goals.
• Their recent form also suggests it will be difficult to make their first knockout round appearance, having won just one of their last six matches (D3, L2).
• For the first time in World Cup history, the winners and runners-up of each group will be joined in the knockout round of 32 by the eight best third-placed teams.
• Hopefully, there’s plenty riding on their match that closes the group.
• While the qualification rules may seem complex, all calculations are fully automated using built-in Excel formulas, so you don’t need to worry about manual ranking.
• Automatic simulation fills every match using FIFA rankings and a weighted probability model, then crowns a champion.
• The auto-simulate feature uses FIFA rankings as of April 2026 and a weighted probability model.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams.
• Spain showed their maturity and looked the real deal on their way to winning Euro 2024 two years ago.
• The resurgence of James Rodríguez made headlines at that competition, as he led the way for chances created (20) and assists (six) – that latter tally equalled the record for a single edition, alongside Brazil’s Alex in 2003.
• The World Cup standings show current table positions, points totals, and recent form for all teams.

Choose between blank fillable versions for office pools and predictions, or live versions updated with real results as the tournament progresses. Enter exact scorelines for any match and the built-in World Cup qualification calculator instantly recalculates group standings, points, goal difference, and qualification status. Test “what if” scenarios for any team to see exactly what they need to advance to the Round of 32. Click any team to mark them as winner, or type exact scorelines for full control over your predictions of World Cup matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s football world championship, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It is the first World Cup with 48 teams and the first co-hosted by three nations.

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The first three are the official FIFA criteria for comparing third-place teams. The fourth, FIFA ranking, serves as the simulator’s deterministic tiebreaker in place of the fair-play and drawing-of-lots rules used at the real tournament, which cannot be modeled in a prediction tool. The auto-simulate feature uses FIFA rankings as of April 2026 and a weighted probability model. Higher-ranked teams are favored, but upsets happen, just like in real World Cup predictions. The conversation also referenced a fictional scene showing a Mexico vs Portugal football match, which some interpreted as a possible indication of a future World Cup final.

My eight teams most likely to be eliminated in the group stage are Haiti, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Panama, Cape Verde, Qatar, and South Africa. That does not mean every one of them will crash out, because the 2026 World Cup format gives third-place teams a lifeline. But if you are looking for the sides with the toughest path, the smallest safety margin, and the most dangerous group assignments, this is the list I would start with. Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the best stories of the tournament, as they are the only African newcomers and the third-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup. That makes them a team everyone will want to cheer for, but the draw has not been kind. If Uzbekistan were drawn into a softer section, they could have made a real case for progression.

Despite beating Argentina in the 2022 group stage, Saudi Arabia may once again fall short of a top-two finish, which looks reserved for Uruguay. A battle for second place ought to be far more exciting, with Iran likely to put Egypt’s credentials to the test after a decent group-stage campaign in Qatar. There’s a feeling that the Ivory Coast could pip Ecuador to a coveted second place, while it would take a major surprise for debutants Curacao to upset the established hierarchy in this group. Turkey could be one of the surprise packages this summer, as they gear up for their first World Cup since a memorable third-place finish in 2002. Football’s biggest stage returns this summer as a stacked line-up of global contenders collide in pursuit of 2026 FIFA World Cup glory. Ivory Coast’s success will rely on Amad Diallo’s influence in attack, while Ecuador’s defensive solidity is anchored by Moises Caicedo in midfield.

Team Squad Worksheet

Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, et al can help Norway take down a Dutch side weary from their famous win over Brazil. That side of the draw could open up for England if they end Mexico’s interest in their home tournament. Their recent form also suggests it will be difficult to make their first knockout round appearance, having won just one of their last six matches (D3, L2). Sweden are set to make just their second World Cup appearance since 2006, despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group with two points to their name.

The FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 11, with 48 nations battling it out for the most coveted trophy in global soccer. Paraguay’s squad features several familiar names, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Diego Gómez, Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso and Sunderland defender Omar Alderete, but Miguel Almiron stands out as their key figure. Pochettino’s squad boasts quality throughout, with the likes of Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, Juventus’ Weston McKennie and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams all expected to play prominent roles, but Christian Pulisic remains the standout figure. Just over a year after staging the FIFA Club World Cup, the United States will once again welcome the footballing world as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, a status that spared them the challenge of navigating qualification. However, no official production notes or creator statements support these interpretations. The sequence was created as a fictional advertisement within a satirical animated series and does not reference FIFA branding, national flags, or tournament forecasting.

I’ll take Ivory Coast’s finishing to narrowly edge Ecuador for second, though I still expect Ecuador to advance as one of the best third‑place teams. Choose group outcomes, pick the knockout winners and discover who triumphs. Earn points, climb the leaderboard, and create private leagues with friends. Los Guaraníes’s deepest run at the World Cup came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, while the South American nation have also progressed beyond the group stage in four of their last five appearances. The expanded format and increased number of matches have intensified global discussion around potential finalists, contributing to the reinterpretation of older fictional content as predictive material. The claim originates from a brief scene in The Simpsons Season 9 episode ‘The Cartridge Family,’ which features a fictional television advertisement showing a Mexico vs Portugal football match.

FIFA’s tennis-style rankings keeping these two apart until the final can really come to pass in a dream final. Argentina would dearly love to become the first country to retain the title since Italy way back in 1938, But this Spain are too young, too fast, too technical and too good. Reigning world champions Argentina confirmed their status as a tournament machine at the 2024 Copa America. Austria impressed at Euro 2024 under Ralf Rangnick and were free-scoring during the UEFA qualifiers. Algeria are first up for Messi & Co, with tournament debutants Jordan also looking to make an impression. Two of the biggest superstar forwards in the game clash when Kylian Mbappe’s France take on Erling Haaland’s https://world-cup-2026.us.com/ Norway in Group I. Norway beat Italy twice to get here and have a fine generation of talent.

Manual selection chooses a winner or a draw for each match, with standings updating instantly using the official tiebreakers. Automatic simulation fills every match using FIFA rankings and a weighted probability model, then crowns a champion. Pick winners group-by-group or auto-simulate every match from group stage to the final. The other matchday one fixture looks more open, and Turkey should have enough attacking quality to get the better of Australia, setting up a race for top spot between both opening-round winners. Turkey booked their place at the 2026 finals via the play-offs, finishing second behind Spain in Group E of UEFA qualifying before overcoming Kosovo in the Path C decider to secure their ticket to the global stage. Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 24 years since Brazil even appeared in a World Cup Final, much less win it. Le Selecao don’t have a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho in their lineup anymore, but they do have a very solid squad. Champions League finalist Marquinhos and Gabriel combine for a dream center-back pairing, while Raphinha and Vinicius Jr up top gives them an attacking edge.

At the former tournament, Ronaldo was dropped for a last-16 tie against Switzerland after a series of ineffective displays, and his replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win. Germany have at least scraped into Pot 1 for the group-stage draw, taking the 12th and final spot among the top seeds, ahead of Croatia, and despite question marks it would be rash not to consider them as contenders at this stage. But the likes of Enzo Fernández and Julián Alvarez have kicked on in the last two years, and any team which has Messi has a chance of going all the way – a creditable 8.7% chance, according to the supercomputer.

Germany: 7.1%

From there it is single elimination through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final, with a 3rd-place playoff. The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, 2026, and the Final is at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife). Build and predict the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout bracket with our free interactive bracket generator. Click through every round from the Round of 32 to the Final, set who advances from all 12 groups, then print your bracket or share it with friends. The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator covers all 48 teams, 12 groups, and 104 matches in one interactive tool.

In addition to the top eight favourites, there are two other teams given at least a 2% chance of winning the World Cup – Norway (2.3%) and Colombia (2.0%). Canada are deemed the least likely of the host nations to go all the way, winning the tournament in just 0.4% of our simulations, though they are only a year removed from a historic tournament run. Along with the Gold Cup run, a 5-1 win over Uruguay last time out put Pochettino’s critics on notice, and the USA should feel good about their chances of being competitive in the knockout stages. Eleven of the tournament’s venues are in the USA, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are assigned a 0.9% chance of going all the way. They will be placed in Group D, with two of their first-round games taking place in Los Angeles and the other in Seattle. Germany arguably played some of the best football at Euro 2024, ranking second for average possession (62.5%) and goals scored (11), but Nagelsmann has plenty of selection dilemmas to consider.

The fixture has all the makings of a potential group decider between the two highest-ranked nations in the bracket, with both sides renewing acquaintances at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, meeting for the sixth time in their history. Excitement is building ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations set to battle for football’s biggest prize. Interest in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has added renewed attention on the clip. According to the official Olympics explainer, the tournament will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Short-form video platforms have further amplified the spread through edited versions that remove context and add captions implying predictive meaning. HITC reporting also notes the footage has repeatedly resurfaced during major tournaments, rebranded each time as a supposed prediction.

Japan beat Spain and Germany in the group stage last time around and have a recent friendly win over Brazil to their name. They remain phenomenally strong, although there are plenty of questions surrounding five-time winners Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti. Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox. The fixture also represents the first time that the two nations have faced off since they played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in May 2002.

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Japan have built significant momentum in the lead-up to the tournament with six consecutive victories, including successes against Brazil and England. SoccerPrediction.io provides football-related statistics, analysis, and informational content for general reference purposes only. Perfect for running a World Cup prediction game at the office or among friends. While the qualification rules may seem complex, all calculations are fully automated using built-in Excel formulas, so you don’t need to worry about manual ranking. Argentina vs Portugal – If there’s a nation equipped and motivated enough to end another title-winning campaign for Lionel Messi, it’s Roberto Martinez’s side. Mexico vs Best 3rd place Group C/E/F/H/I – Since suffering a quarter-final elimination on home soil in 1986, Mexico have reached the round of 16 in seven of their eight World Cup appearances.

World Cup Standings

Egypt progressing through CAF qualification undefeated as Belgium manage a period of transition away from their golden generation feel like relevant factors. There’s a fairytale start to Group E, when four-time winners Germany take on tournament debutants and the smallest nation in World Cup history, Curacao. The other opener between Ecuador and Ivory Coast feels like a game where a win will be richly rewarded.

From there, single-elimination knockouts run through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final, exactly as the real World Cup football predictions bracket will play out. The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator is an interactive tool that models the entire tournament, from the group stage through the final at MetLife Stadium. It covers all 48 teams, 12 groups, and 104 matches of the first 48-nation World Cup, allowing match winners to be selected by hand or generated automatically from FIFA rankings. The result is a complete, shareable bracket that follows the official tournament format.

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However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games. The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia remain the wildcard, but I’m sticking with the two heavyweights to advance. A World Cup prediction pool (also called a soccer pool, office pool or bracket pool) is a game where you and your friends predict the scores of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

Turkey

The automatic mode uses the official FIFA rankings published on April 1, 2026, converted into a team strength value. The probability that a team wins a given match scales with the gap in strength between the two sides. Group matches also allow for draws, with the likelihood of a draw decreasing as the gap in strength widens. A third option fills only the matches that remain undecided, which preserves any picks already made. Each group match also displays a small probability indicator based on team strength, so the favorite in any fixture is visible before a pick is made. Pick winners group by group, or auto-simulate the full tournament using FIFA rankings.

FIFA will no longer allow fans to bring water bottles into World Cup games this summer

Argentina vs United States – The US crashed out at this juncture in the last tournament staged on their soil, and history looks set to repeat itself against the reigning champions. Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter. However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour. Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title. We have mapped out the full World Cup picture, from the group-stage battles through to the knockout phase, outlining how the tournament could unfold from start to finish.

How a 1997 Simpsons Joke Became a Viral FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction Theory

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams. That also means there are more nations than ever to make soccer picks and World Cup futures bets on, ahead of the opening match taking place on Thursday, June 11. The United States will begin play on June 12 and is a World Cup 2026 co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, but it’s European nations who top the latest soccer odds to win the tournament, per FanDuel Sportsbook. Spain enter as a major tournament favorite, led by superstar Lamine Yamal.

Spain: 17.0%

A newly expanded World Cup format will see 48 nations compete across 12 groups for football’s biggest prize in a tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA. Meanwhile, Canada meets Bosnia & Herzegovina in an intriguing clash. Canada will look to use their energy and attacking style, while Bosnia & Herzegovina will rely on experience and tactical structure. With all teams eager to begin strongly, these opening games could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

The Netherlands enter as a world‑class side looking to make a statement. The production of Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen should be enough to see them top the group. Japan and Sweden are well organized but lack the elite experience needed to challenge the Dutch. I like Japan’s technical depth to edge Sweden for second, but they can still qualify to the next round as a top third-place team, with Tunisia finishing at the bottom.

• Norway will be the team nobody wishes to draw from Pot 3, having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with a perfect eight wins and 37 goals – the most of any team.
• Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again.
• Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession.
• But a stunning defeat to Guatemala, in another shootout, ended Canada’s Gold Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage and brought them crashing down to earth.
• But one of those squads has reached these games and lost recently, the other has reached them and won.
• Let’s break down the 2026 World Cup winner odds and give our World Cup best bets to make.
• Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, et al can help Norway take down a Dutch side weary from their famous win over Brazil.
• Share your group link directly on WhatsApp, Telegram or any messaging app.
• Group standings update automatically with proper FIFA tiebreakers (points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head).
• Group matches also allow for draws, with the likelihood of a draw decreasing as the gap in strength widens.
• To help soccer fans plan ahead, I created this interactive 2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictor.

A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 cities, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium (New York), Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles). Despite an underwhelming qualifying campaign, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges remain hot favourites to advance as group winners, with the Atlas Lions expected to settle for a runner-up finish. Two of the most talented squads, if not the top two, meet in the tournament semi-final. Spain will draw heavy support, but France’s experience in semi-finals and finals gives them an edge in pressure moments. I expect a tight match, possibly decided in extra time or penalties, with France finding a way through to a third straight final. Should the United States advance to the Round of 16, it’s going to take some of their best performances of the past decade, maybe ever.

Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations. Recent World Cup results provide insight into current form and momentum across the league. This template is designed specifically for tracking goal scorers and top scorers throughout the tournament. Choose the spreadsheet that best fits your needs—or download all of them—to enhance your World Cup viewing experience. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Mexico and Canada. It will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of 4.

Share your group link directly on WhatsApp, Telegram or any messaging app. Talk trash, celebrate goals and chat with your group right inside the app. England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals. Brazil vs Senegal – There’s little doubt that Senegal possess the quality and confidence to push this tie into extra time.

• Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup—the biggest football tournament in the world—will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
• So who will win the World Cup 2026, and which longshot could stun the soccer world?
• The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator is an interactive tool that models the entire tournament, from the group stage through the final at MetLife Stadium.
• South Korea takes on Czech Republic in a well-balanced matchup, where discipline, organization, and taking chances could be key factors.
• The expanded format and increased number of matches have intensified global discussion around potential finalists, contributing to the reinterpretation of older fictional content as predictive material.
• They scored 15 goals in the tournament – four more than anyone else.

This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site. After being right three times in a row, I have been inundated by requests over the last four years to forecast the Euros, the Olympics, the Rugby World Cup, etc. Every four years, I write a note that has many more readers than anything else I publish. It all started 12 years ago when I used an economic model to forecast the winner of the World Cup in Brazil. I thought it would become an exercise in showing the hubris of economists who think they can forecast anything with a model, even if it is effectively a random outcome. Some of these nations can absolutely surprise people, but on paper, they are the ones most likely to fall short when the tournament begins in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

• Argentina vs United States – The US crashed out at this juncture in the last tournament staged on their soil, and history looks set to repeat itself against the reigning champions.
• The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up qualify automatically for the Round of 32, joined by the 8 best third-placed teams.
• It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• Before bowing out in the group stages four years ago in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout phase at seven consecutive World Cups.
• A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
• At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.
• Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
• With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
• Australia and Paraguay are organized enough to earn draws but remain long shots to advance ahead of the two favorites.
• The usual suspects are likely to be in the conversation at the business end of the tournament.
• The World Cup simulator is completely free to use, with no signup required and no limits on how many times you can simulate the tournament.
• ScorePoint AI treats them as probability ranges and compares them with safer markets such as BTTS and over/under goals.
• Whether you want to simulate the World Cup match-by-match or get instant World Cup 2026 predictions for the full tournament, this free tool covers all 48 teams across 12 groups and the 32-team knockout bracket.
• As reported by HITC, the episode contains no reference to the FIFA World Cup, 2026, or any official international competition.
• USA, Mexico, and Canada are the host nations, while Argentina enters as the defending champion.

Mohamed Salah will be motivated to prove he remains world class as Egypt’s leader, though after a season full of diminishing returns and muscle injuries, it’s a tall ask. If he carries them past Iran and New Zealand, advancement is realistic. Iran and New Zealand lack the elite finishing required to truly threaten Belgium at the top.

Whether you call it a prediction pool, a soccer pool, a bracket challenge or a sweepstakes — Prodefy makes it easy to create your free pool in under two minutes. France vs Spain – Only a handful of teams can stop Les Bleus from becoming the first team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including Euro qualifying (+6.30 units), EFL Cup (+4.47), FA Cup (+3.07) and Champions League (+3.05), among others.

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Ghana cannot be overlooked, as Antoine Semenyo provides genuine danger, but I expect the European sides to control this group with Ghana likely finishing as one of the best third-place teams. Colombia remain a threat thanks to Luis Diaz playing some of the best football of his career. Congo DR and Uzbekistan are unlikely to factor heavily, making this a high‑stakes, two‑team race. For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections. Use it to pick which team qualifies from each group, then click a team in any matchup to advance them to the next round.

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A lack of recent match practice against top-class European opponents could count against the Albiceleste, who also saw Ángel Di María retire from international football after the Copa América. Argentina dominated the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, finishing nine points clear of second-placed Ecuador, and last year they also retained the Copa América for the first time since 1993. Tuchel’s task is simple – get international football’s nearly men over the line. He could become only the third manager to win both the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup, after Marcello Lippi (Juventus, Italy) and Del Bosque (Real Madrid, Spain). The Three Lions enter their first – and potentially only – tournament under Tuchel as third favourites with a 11.8% probability of lifting the trophy, having come up short in two European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate. Messi (13) is one goal ahead of Mbappé, who will surely take possession of the record eventually.

All 104 games, kickoff times, host cities, and group standings tracker. Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free. Create a free account only when you want to save your bracket or join the prediction league. Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final. Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex.

Everyone earns points based on how accurate their predictions are, and the player with the most points wins. Adjust scores, apply official tiebreaker rules, and see which teams qualify for the knockout phase in real time. The expanded 2026 format means more teams advance from the group stage into the knockout bracket, making every goal crucial. The model is intentionally calibrated to favor stronger teams without making outcomes certain. Top-ranked nations such as France, Spain, and Argentina win the simulated tournament most often, but lower-ranked teams still break through often enough to produce a different story on each run.

Tournament Statistics

After watching his team fall agonisingly short on penalties against Argentina in Qatar, he has another chance to become only the second coach to win multiple World Cups (after Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938). The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era in French football, with Didier Deschamps set to stand down from his role as Les Bleus’ head coach after 14 years at the helm. He will hope to go out with a bang and cement his legacy as France’s greatest boss. Yamal created the most chances at the tournament, with 19, while only teammate Nico Williams (2.1) had more expected assists (xA) than his 2.0. It is little surprise, then, that Spain are our predictive model’s early World Cup favourites, going all the way in 17.0% of tournament predictions. At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.

However, as the lowest-ranked side in the group, Tunisia may be seen as the most obvious candidate to finish bottom, especially as they have failed to make it out of the group stage in each of their six World Cup appearances. The Samurai Blue have been touted as a potential dark horse, despite being without the key attacking duo of Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino due to injury. Netherlands may not be among the favourites to lift the trophy, but that will not stop them from heading to North America with hopes of going one step further their runners-up finishes of 1974, 1978 and 2010. Three-time runners-up Netherlands headline Group F, which has all the makings of being one of the most competitive groups in the tournament.

The eight highest-ranked thirds advance to the Round of 32, and the bottom four are eliminated. Download our official World Cup 2026 wall chart with all 104 matches, kickoff times, host city locations, and the complete tournament schedule on a single printable poster. We offer a free premium printable World Cup 2026 bracket in both Letter and A4 formats.

• However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour.
• After a 16-year absence from the World Cup, Paraguay return to the global stage following a solid qualifying campaign, sealing automatic qualification for this year’s tournament by finishing inside the top six of the CONMEBOL standings.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 nations and the first hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• We have mapped out the full World Cup picture, from the group-stage battles through to the knockout phase, outlining how the tournament could unfold from start to finish.
• Eleven of the tournament’s venues are in the USA, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are assigned a 0.9% chance of going all the way.
• Lionel Messi has a couple of years under his belt now of playing on North American soil, which could put him and Argentina in good stead for the World Cup.
• They remain phenomenally strong, although there are plenty of questions surrounding five-time winners Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti.
• The model is intentionally calibrated to favor stronger teams without making outcomes certain.
• If Spain are to triumph, it is likely Lamine Yamal will play a key role.
• Brazil’s bid for a sixth world title begins in a mouthwatering showdown with Morocco, who reached the semifinals last time around and stormed through CAF qualifying.

Southgate’s England teams were also solid at the back but rarely free-flowing. At Euro 2024, they recorded just 5.4 xG – Turkey, Austria and Switzerland were among the teams to better that tally. With a 14.1% chance, France are the supercomputer’s second favourites, just behind Spain, who beat them 5-4 in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League in June. Ahead of this week’s draw, we have taken a deep dive into the Opta supercomputer’s first set of World Cup predictions to assess who is most likely to lift the trophy. Six of the teams appearing at the tournament are still to be decided, with four qualifying via the UEFA play-offs and another two via the inter-confederation playoffs. On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

Senegal remain a dangerous dark horse, while Norway and Erling Haaland could disrupt the group. I’m taking Senegal to secure the needed points, though Norway could still advance as a top third‑place team if they score multiple goals against Iraq. Belgium should control this group, but the remaining positions are harder to predict.

But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing. Deschamps’ reign has comprised 175 games, so if they reach the first knockout round, he will have overseen 100 games more than France’s next-longest serving boss (Raymond Domenech, 79). If Spain are to triumph, it is likely Lamine Yamal will play a key role. Their Euro 2024 triumph came the day after Yamal’s 17th birthday, as he replaced Pelé (1958, 17 years, 249 days) as the youngest player to feature in a World Cup or European Championship final.

Key Features:

• We have analyzed 64 matches across 8 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%.
• Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch.
• France vs Spain – Only a handful of teams can stop Les Bleus from becoming the first team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals.
• Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on Friday 5 December, the Opta supercomputer has produced its early predictions for this summer’s tournament in North America.
• But if you are looking for the sides with the toughest path, the smallest safety margin, and the most dangerous group assignments, this is the list I would start with.
• Still, they should not be overlooked, as Takefusa Kubo’s creativity and their speed on the counter could make this a difficult contest.
• The opening matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promise an exciting and competitive start, as teams aim to build early momentum in the group stage.
• Jordan is making their first-ever World Cup appearance, and that alone makes them one of the tournament’s best storylines.
• Yamal created the most chances at the tournament, with 19, while only teammate Nico Williams (2.1) had more expected assists (xA) than his 2.0.
• He is the third player – alongside Messi and Ronaldo – able to appear at an unprecedented sixth edition of the World Cup and was selected for the Gold Cup, so watch this space.
• Champions League finalist Marquinhos and Gabriel combine for a dream center-back pairing, while Raphinha and Vinicius Jr up top gives them an attacking edge.
• I’m giving Morocco the edge to win the group due to their cohesion and leadership from Achraf Hakimi, as well as difference‑makers like Ez Abde.
• I like Bosnia to top the group, with Switzerland following and Canada advancing as a top third‑place finisher.

Portugal bring elite pedigree, Colombia bring athletic quality and World Cup experience, and DR Congo are exactly the sort of opponent who can turn a group into a fight for every point. Uzbekistan are good enough to compete, but they are still among the most likely teams to be squeezed out. This final comes down to France’s athleticism, depth and physical dominance against Portugal’s control of possession and tempo. France have stumbled before, most notably conceding three goals in the 2022 final. With history on the line, I see France growing complacent, allowing Portugal to seize the moment with a historic 1–0 victory, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career with ultimate glory.