2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictions: Alexi Lalas’ Expert Picks

2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictions: Alexi Lalas’ Expert Picks

2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictions: Alexi Lalas’ Expert Picks

world cup 2026 predictions

Just 18 years old, he is tipped to be the young player of the tournament and already has the ability to spearhead his team to World Cup world cup 2026 teams glory. Austria are narrowly favoured to win, with a 31.2 percent chance of taking all three points, while Algeria are rated at 26.7 percent. Victory would see Algeria win back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time.

The likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha will be looking forward to leaving a mark on a World Cup in a way they haven’t before. Neymar is no longer the first name on the team sheet but whatever squad the now 34-year-old is part of will still be lifted by his presence. The trend continues a shift away from the traditional black-and-white football boot, following the colourful designs that first gained popularity at the 1998 World Cup. The comments came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the US following recent military attacks and a fragile ceasefire. Taremi urged FIFA to resolve the issues, saying the governing body had failed to provide the support promised before the tournament.

Portugal went out to France at the next stage, as Ronaldo ended the tournament without a goal from 23 shots and 3.6 xG – the second-highest tally at the competition. 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. Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998 and this will be Kylian Mbappé’s first World Cup as France skipper. 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. At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.

Ecuador shocked already-qualified Germany to reach this phase, but expect Javier Aguirre’s men to make it four wins out of four. For better or worse, we’ve had a go at predicting the entire road to the final in New Jersey on July 19. There have also been stirring underdog stories, with minnow Cape Verde qualifying as Group H runners-up behind European champions Spain, and Iran similarly going through the round-robin phase undefeated against the odds. All the tournament favorites have come through the group stage largely unscathed.

World Cup: To advance, the U.S. will have to end its five-year European curse

The remaining 27.4 percent of simulations were level after 90 minutes, sending the match to extra time and, if necessary, penalties. The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues on Monday with three more round of 32 ties, as Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands bid to join Canada in the last 16 of the tournament. Norway, however, possesses one of the most dangerous forward lines left in the competition.

We have analyzed 64 matches across 48 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%. Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession. In addition to co-hosts Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar will also be vying for a top-two spot in this group, with all three nations seeking a maiden knockout appearance on the grandest international stage. 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%).

MetLife Stadium will be the centre of attention when France and Sweden lock horns in an exciting last-32 encounter. As Les Bleus have looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament so far, our prediction leans toward a 4-2 home win. France cruised through the group stage with a 100% record, recording comfortable wins over Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Spain and Austria go head-to-head in the World Cup last 32 with La Roja looking to move one step closer towards their second trophy at the showpiece tournament.

Brazil, Germany, Netherlands Ready For A Supercharged Round Of 32 Slate

world cup 2026 predictions

Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast are all set to feature in the tournament and could find a way to cause major upsets and book a spot in the latter rounds. It’s one thing having World Cup predictions at your disposal, but it’s important to use them correctly and alongside your own research. I would feel more confident in the U.S. going through to the semifinals in that scenario than us against someone like Spain. From animals to colors to local cultural symbols, every team (except one) has a special moniker that’s specific to their nation.

We say: Netherlands 1-2 Morocco

world cup 2026 predictions

La Roja swept all before them, winning six of their seven matches inside 90 minutes and only requiring extra-time to eliminate hosts Germany in the quarter-final. They scored 15 goals in the tournament – four more than anyone else. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in football history. For the first time, 48 nations compete across 104 matches spread over 39 days in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June 2026 to the Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on 19 July 2026, this page is your complete prediction hub. France lead our World Cup 2026 predictions after winning the toughest group in the tournament, and we are calling a France vs Argentina final on July 19, a rematch of the 2022 showpiece.

Perhaps none has had more recent success on the international stage as France’s Didier Deschamps. He’s guided Les Bleus to two consecutive finals in FIFA’s quadrennial tournament, winning it all in 2018 and coming up heartbreakingly short four years ago in a penalty-shootout loss to Argentina. Mexico failed to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup, having previously seen a Round of 16 exit every tournament from 1994 to 2018. History is not on their side in this matchup, as Switzerland arrive with a full-strength side built on midfield physicality and an elite attacking presence in Breel Embolo and Fabian Rieder.

  • 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.
  • Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after a 12‑year absence, built around a core of prime‑age players.
  • 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).
  • DR Congo clinched its first-ever spot in the World Cup knockout stage, and with that, the nation was rewarded with England.
  • Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie.
  • This promises to be one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32.
  • They are given a 47.8% chance of topping Group A, which also contains South Korea and Czechia.
  • But even I can not confidently say Colombia will beat France, the most impressive team of the group stage, in a final scenario.
  • The striker is already the record goalscorer for England and has remained a pivotal figure for Tuchel, under whom the early returns have been strong.
  • England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals.
  • Ivory Coast has the physicality and midfield quality to frustrate Norway, but the Scandinavian side’s clinical finishing and attacking firepower could ultimately prove decisive.
  • If Norway advance through the group stage, Haaland’s clinical finishing and aerial ability make him the most likely top scorer.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi accused FIFA of failing to address logistical problems facing his team at the World Cup after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Egypt. Colombia will become just the third South American team Portugal have faced at the World Cup, following previous meetings with Brazil and Uruguay. Despite sitting a point behind Ghana in Group L, Croatia are clear favourites to claim victory, according to the Opta supercomputer. With the FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams in total, this is how teams from each continent qualify for the Finals. The tournament has three different hosts, which are Canada, Mexico, and the USA, all three of which will feature in the tournament due to hosting. Yahoo users are largely united about how the group stage will play out.

World Cup picks, odds, predictions: Best bets for Sweden-France, Mexico-Ecuador on Tuesday

This is the first time this stage has ever existed in World Cup history. Expert tips, group stage analysis, outright winner predictions, Golden Boot picks, and match forecasts for all 104 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — updated throughout the tournament. The model adjusts its odds after each game, playing out the rest of the tournament 100,000 times while giving teams credit (or blame) for their performance so far.

  • Mbappé is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 goals for France, having netted 55 times in his 93 caps.
  • The 2026 World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format used from 1998 through 2022.
  • But they won that match by a statement 6-0 scoreline, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané among the goals.
  • Visit our World Cup 2026 predictions today page or our main football predictions page for daily updates throughout the tournament.
  • Argentina head into this tie with a fully fit and settled squad.
  • Ivory Coast narrowly missed out on topping Group E after surrendering a lead against Germany, but their overall performances have underlined why they are being tipped as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
  • All 12 groups, outright winner analysis, Golden Boot picks, dark horse teams, and daily tips throughout the 38-day tournament from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
  • Their previous tournament encounter came in the 1994 group stage, when the Dutch claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Bryan Roy.
  • South Africa and Egypt also reached the knockouts for the first time, while pre-tournament hopefuls Turkiye and Uruguay both went home early.
  • Two of the most talented squads, if not the top two, meet in the tournament semi-final.
  • They crashed out at the group stage at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
  • Argentina are right behind them, on the opposite side of the bracket.
  • Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
  • Here are the nicknames for every team that will be playing in the World Cup this month.
  • The model adjusts its odds after each game, playing out the rest of the tournament 100,000 times while giving teams credit (or blame) for their performance so far.
  • The 2026 World Cup continues with three more Round of 32 matchups on Tuesday.

World Cup Player News

  • He’s a winner and with the squad he’s picked, he obviously has a plan.
  • France opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal and a 3-0 win over Iraq, then sealed Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway featuring an Ousmane Dembele hat-trick.
  • Debutants Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of two-time champions Uruguay, who went home.
  • Despite sitting a little below the top four nations, these sides are also contenders.
  • Erling Haaland struck 16 times in just eight games, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
  • There should be plenty of service for Harry Kane, who is Europe’s most in-form striker, netting 24 goals in 20 matches for Bayern Munich since the start of the season in August.
  • They’re deep, everyone’s scoring, they’re changing and there is just a wealth of talent to choose from.
  • Ivory Coast and Norway face each other at AT&T Stadium in what promises to be one of the most entertaining World Cup last-32 clashes, with 2-2 our predicted outcome.
  • A total of 18 spots are earnt for these three different qualification processes in Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF) and Oceania (OFC).
  • If you choose to engage with betting partners featured on the site, always stay within your limits.
  • The supercomputer is a bit kinder to Uzbekistan (0.1%) and Jordan (0.1%), but both teams will still be doing well to get out of their groups.
  • Whether you want to forecast the whole tournament, compete with friends, or just watch the games — we’ve got you covered.
  • While their physicality and attacking threat stand out, their defense is arguably their greatest strength, led by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka.

Despite the promise shown by their young core, the Americans still seem a step behind the world’s true elite. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have had moments at the club level, but that’s never been extended to the national team. Argentina, meanwhile, remain built for high-pressure knockout matches and possess an edge in composure and quality. Spain’s track record in major international competitions gives them the clear edge in this scenario. They’ve consistently found ways to advance deep into tournaments, and that experience matters.

Team News

The USMNT appointed Pochettino after of a humiliating group-stage exit as Copa América hosts last year, and things did not immediately improve as the Argentine lost five of his first 10 matches at the helm. France became the sixth team to win the World Cup as hosts in 1998, but no side has accomplished the feat since then. One recurring issue in recent years has been their lack of a true centre-forward. But Memphis Depay remains a talisman for his nation, becoming their all-time leading scorer when he netted his 51st international goal in September. The Oranje’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 – losing late on to England – was their best at any tournament since finishing third at the 2014 World Cup.

And Argentina’s win in 2022.

They are split into 12 groups of four, with 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. See here for an overview of which teams got luckiest and unluckiest based on where they slotted into the bracket. Choose group outcomes, pick the knockout winners and discover who triumphs. These four all reached the knockouts and have the profile to go further. Below are the 16 actual fixtures with our pick for each, followed by our forecast through to the final.

Saturday, June 20

Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again. For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections. Building a perfect bracket may be unrealistic, but identifying where chaos is most likely, and where elite teams will hold firm, is the key to getting ahead. Below, you’ll find a full round-by-round projection, blending safe picks with calculated risks to map out how the 2026 World Cup could unfold.

  • France lead our World Cup 2026 predictions after winning the toughest group in the tournament, and we are calling a France vs Argentina final on July 19, a rematch of the 2022 showpiece.
  • On top of those nations, Brazil, Germany, and many other countries can also have a big part to play in the 2026 World Cup too in what is expected to be an enthralling tournament.
  • In our pick ’em for the World Cup, users select who they think will win each of the 12 groups ahead of the tournament’s first game on Thursday.
  • BMO Field will be packed when Portugal and Croatia go head to head in the World Cup last 32.
  • The last time that happened, between Argentina and West Germany in 1990, the European nation gained its revenge.
  • Mbappé is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 goals for France, having netted 55 times in his 93 caps.
  • 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).
  • Two of the most talented squads, if not the top two, meet in the tournament semi-final.

Cape Verde’s dream debut is not over yet

  • David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up.
  • The competition has averaged around 2.6 goals per match across its last five editions, with BTTS outcomes in roughly 48% of fixtures and clean sheets recorded in about 40%.
  • After winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is eyeing the chance to bounce back from what was, by his extremely high standards, a poor major tournament at Euro 2024, an event he ended without a goal.
  • For Cape Verde and manager Rui Aguas, simply reaching this stage has already rewritten what is possible for African football’s smaller nations, and anything further would be a genuine shock to the tournament bracket.
  • Vinícius has played under five different head coaches since joining Real Madrid, and 149 of his 192 goal involvements for the club came during Ancelotti’s second spell in charge of Los Blancos.
  • 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.
  • The USA enter a home tournament with their strongest squad in a generation, headlined by Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Yunus Musah.
  • Independent mathematical ratings that adjust for match importance, result, and opponent strength.
  • Thomas Tuchel’s England among favourites, but Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, France, Spain, Brazil and more in the mix; Our writers make their predictions…
  • While the field is a bit more watered-down than in previous iterations of the tournament, it’ll still be a challenge for most teams looking to advance to the Round of 32.
  • Norway came through the toughest group in their first World Cup since 1998, Colombia won Group K, Morocco backed up their 2022 run, and Japan again showed they can beat anyone.

After winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is eyeing the chance to bounce back from what was, by his extremely high standards, a poor major tournament at Euro 2024, an event he ended without a goal. England finished with eight wins – and eight clean sheets – from as many matches in qualifying, becoming only the second team ever to win all their games in a UEFA campaign without conceding, after Yugoslavia in 1954. They made it to the UEFA Nations League final – where it took a penalty shootout for Portugal to beat them – and eased through qualification, topping Türkiye to go unbeaten across six games. For the first time, 48 nations will compete to lift the World Cup trophy in an expanded tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada across 16 stadiums. Forty-eight teams will battle it out for glory in North America, but who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup? We asked the Opta supercomputer for its predictions before the tournament kicks off on 11 June.

Who will be the breakout star of the tournament?

The top two in each advanced automatically, joined by the eight best third-placed teams. No nation has retained the men’s World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and the expanded 48-team format adds an extra knockout round and more upset paths than any previous edition. A place in the World Cup last 16 will be at stake when Brazil and Japan lock horns at NRG Stadium in what promises to be one of the most exciting last-32 ties. As both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach, we predict a 1-1 draw.

Messi also led all players in Qatar for shots (32), chances created from open play (17) and fouls won (22), becoming the second player to top all three metrics at a single World Cup. Maradona in 1986 (30 shots, 19 open-play chances created, 53 fouls won). 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. 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).

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. The Netherlands have reached the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy (three), and they are the eighth and final team assigned more than a 5% chance of triumphing next year, at 5.2%. But by the time next year’s tournament rolls around, it will have been 12 years since Germany played a knockout game at a World Cup. Sixteen venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico will play host to the biggest-ever edition of the tournament, with the number of teams increasing from 32 and 48 and the tally of games upped from 64 to 104. The first 48–team field in World Cup history has been filed down to 32 for the knockout stages.

Premier League

Official FIFA schedule will confirm exact kick-off times for each match. Build a bracket, make your picks, or just check today’s scores. Dive deeper into the tournament with our guides, analysis, and complete team profiles.

  • Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final.
  • Compare World Cup betting odds now with our recommended betting sites and find the latest prices for teams to win the tournament.
  • Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch.
  • Turkey vs Best 3rd place Group B/E/F/I/J – Despite their lengthy absence from football’s biggest stage, the Crescent-Stars might return with a bang.
  • France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament.
  • But, of course, that previous World Cup dry spell ended with victory in a tournament hosted by the United States.
  • However, the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last time out was still a major disappointment, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side therefore set to enter this match off the back of a defeat.
  • Lionel Scaloni’s men have two major tournament successes in their back pocket since then and can make easy work of this game.
  • The Opta supercomputer makes Brazil the favourites to reach the next round.
  • Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free.
  • Our free AI tip for Belgium vs Senegal — home team wins or draw, with 89% confidence.
  • They could give Germany a run for their money in Group E and are given a 43.4% chance of reaching the last 16.
  • England and Panama have met only once before at the World Cup, with England cruising to a 6-1 victory in the group stage at Russia 2018.
  • England will be looking to secure top spot in Group L when they take on already-eliminated Panama in their final group-stage match.
  • Group A is a difficult group, with three teams capable of advancing.
  • As such a wide range of countries with very different World Cup histories fight it out, the 23rd edition may well prove to be the most compelling.

Among La Liga players, only Kylian Mbappé (48) had more goal involvements in all competitions this season than the winger’s 41 (24 goals and 17 assists). Teams will battle it out to emerge from 12 different groups and reach a knockout stage that now features a round of 32 – a new addition at international football’s showpiece event. France are the big favourites to win the World Cup ahead of Argentina, with Spain and England the only others given a greater than 10% chance at current odds. Brazil come next after beating Japan and Portugal are just outside the top five, while Mexico and Morocco are the big market movers at 28/1.

Morocco, meanwhile, are the highest-rated African team after they were superbly shock semi-finalists in Qatar. Colombia were not even at the last World Cup but are a team to watch out for this time. They were Copa America runners-up on U.S. soil in 2024, only losing the final to Argentina in extra-time, and they also finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying. But, of course, that previous World Cup dry spell ended with victory in a tournament hosted by the United States. Five-time winners Brazil are the only side to qualify for every edition of the World Cup, though the Seleção cut things a little too fine this time around, finishing fifth in CONMEBOL’s qualifiers.

Our World Cup betting analysis draws on data from recent editions of the tournament to highlight consistent patterns and team performance metrics. The competition has averaged around 2.6 goals per match across its last five editions, with BTTS outcomes in roughly 48% of fixtures and clean sheets recorded in about 40%. These insights, combined with current team form, player fitness, and pre-tournament momentum, form the basis of our data-driven soccer betting tips and forecasts. 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.

Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?

Canada finished second behind Switzerland and chase a first men’s World Cup knockout win against South Africa in the opening tie. Six host nations have won the World Cup, most recently France in 1998. 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. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history. Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket.

Whether you want to forecast the whole tournament, compete with friends, or just watch the games — we’ve got you covered. Brazil’s 5-title history matters less than their last 3 tournaments. With the 48-team format, expect slight dilution — 10–12 top-20 teams likely. Top 10 championship probabilities based on FIFA ranking, ELO, and weighted recent form. It could be a question of who goes furthest of the contenders or who capitalises on weak opponents, and France have a tough group – but with Iraq in it.

world cup 2026 predictions

World Cup 2026 PredictionsData-Driven Bracket Forecasts

Canada reached the last 16 thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring the dec… The favoured teams, however, are France and Spain, with England deemed to have a strong chance as well. France will pursue a third straight final and third title overall, while past winners Spain enter as European champions. It was Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final that heralded the end of Gareth Southgate’s time leading the Three Lions, ushering in Thomas Tuchel’s reign.

World Cup: Knockout stage predictions

However, there’s a good reason why Switzerland are odds-on to walk away with a top-table finish, having progressed from the group stages in four of their five World Cup appearances this century. South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing. With 48 teams taking part, there also will be some new names gracing the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, now teammates at Napoli, and Thibaut Courtois will all feature at a fourth edition of the World Cup – no player has ever represented Belgium at more (Enzo Scifo also four). Those teams round out the top 10 favourites, with Belgium next with a 1.9% probability.

FIFA Play-Off Tournament

Germany are rebuilding under fresh management and remain ever-dangerous. Portugal will likely have one last dance with a slightly older Cristiano Ronaldo. The Netherlands have the kind of balanced squad that often outperforms its pre-tournament odds. Now, Green has broken down the 2026 World Cup draw from all sides and released his picks, predictions and futures bets. You can head to SportsLine now to see Green’s 2026 World Cup picks. They also won last summer’s Nations League, getting the better of both Germany and Spain in the semi-finals and finals, with largely the same group of players.

  • Leading the way is France with a chance of 18.66%, putting Les Bleus marginally ahead of Argentina’s 16.26%.
  • As the tournament draws ever closer, getting stuck into the Opta supercomputer’s projections is the perfect way to whet your appetite while brushing up on some stimulating statistics.
  • This page is refreshed after each knockout round, so the picks always reflect the latest results.
  • Top 10 championship probabilities based on FIFA ranking, ELO, and weighted recent form.
  • If a team wants to win the World Cup this summer, they will likely have to overcome a formidable obstacle in Spain.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be discounted, while the three host nations will be desperate to make their mark.
  • However, we predict a 3-0 away win as les Tricolores look unstoppable at the moment.
  • The Three Lions’ Round of 32 match is 5pm on Wednesday before Belgium vs. Senegal, with the winner of that one setting up a meeting with USA should the Stars and Stripes beat Bosnia.
  • Gareth Southgate did a fabulous job, reaching back-to-back Euros finals with England, but his in-game management was called into question as he failed to get England over the line.
  • Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex.
  • Their identity has been built on structure and defensive organisation, with 1.1 goals…
  • France will naturally sit near the top of most betting markets but they are easier to oppose than the odds suggest.

France’s win in 2018.

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. Germany are the supercomputer’s fifth favourites with a 7.1% chance of winning a record-equalling fifth World Cup. The only one other team assigned more than a one-in-10 chance of becoming world champions is England, who are out to end 60 years of hurt at major tournaments. 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.

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. 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. Brazil vs Senegal – There’s little doubt that Senegal possess the quality and confidence to push this tie into extra time.

world cup 2026 predictions

World Cup bracket: Who plays who in round of 32?

Few nations in football history have possessed such an embarrassment of attacking riches. Yet there remains a nagging doubt over whether the France manager can truly maximise what he has at his disposal. He’s a winner and with the squad he’s picked, he obviously has a plan. Gareth Southgate did a fabulous job, reaching back-to-back Euros finals with England, but his in-game management was called into question as he failed to get England over the line. That is where Tuchel excels and it could prove to be the difference maker for the Three Lions. All eyes, though, will be on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who joins Ronaldo and Messi as one of the most searched players in the world.

As both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw. With the home crowd firmly behind them, El Tri will be eager to extend their perfect run. Australia and Egypt take on each other at AT&T Stadium in a tightly balanced last-32 clash, with 1-1 our predicted outcome. Australia progressed from the group stage thanks to a disciplined 0-0 draw with Paraguay, where they limited their opponents to just 0.30 expected goals against (xGA). Their identity has been built on structure and defensive organisation, with 1.1 goals… Belgium and Senegal square off in the World Cup last 32 in what promises to be an entertaining battle between two in-form sides.

World Cup Day 1 scores, results: Korea tops Czechia after wild finish, Mexico handles South Africa in ugly affair

Picking a winner is harder than it has ever been, and that’s precisely what makes the build-up so compelling. Whatever your predictions, the only certainty is that we’ll all be surprised by something. Spain is backed to make light work of Austria, as is England in its meeting with DR Congo. Both sides arrived at this summer’s tournament expecting to reach the later stages and the supercomputer does not predict any early obstacles. France will naturally sit near the top of most betting markets but they are easier to oppose than the odds suggest.

Takeaways From Paraguay’s Upset Win vs. Germany In The Round Of 32

Argentina enter as defending champion, but without Angel Di Maria, one of the anchors of their last run, they lack the same spark. Portugal’s depth and momentum give them the edge, and I see them pulling off the upset to reach their first World Cup final. Brazil have struggled to define a clear identity in recent tournaments, raising doubts about their ability to make a legitimate World Cup run. Vinicius Junior has battled inconsistency, while Raphinha’s form has been disrupted by injuries.

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). 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). 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.

world cup 2026 predictions

Brazil have rebuilt impressively since their disappointing 2022 quarter-final exit, with a generation of attacking talent led by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and the teenage prodigy Endrick. France remain a tournament machine under Didier Deschamps’s successor, with Mbappé still in his prime and one of the deepest squads in world football. Either would surprise nobody by lifting the trophy in New Jersey.

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