World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer’s Pre-Draw Projections

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. 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. Colombia also deserve their lofty status in our projections, as they come in the tournament off the back of a run to the final of the 2024 Copa América, having outscored all other teams at that tournament with 12 goals.

The main challenge in Group J is identifying who finishes behind Argentina, as Lionel Messi’s final World Cup campaign makes them clear favorites. Jordan’s Moussa Al Tamari is a player to watch and capable of driving a surprise run. While Algeria and Austria bring veteran leadership, Al‑Tamari’s pace and creativity could tilt the balance. 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.

World Cup Day 9 What to Watch: Can United States clinch Group D with win over Australia?

Argentina are the closest challenger and sit on the opposite half of the bracket, setting up a possible repeat of the 2022 final. 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. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc.

It will be Mexico next in the Azteca if England beat DR Congo, while France are shorter than 2/1 to win the tournament with most bookmakers after crushing Sweden. 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.

Cape Verde’s three World Cup draws are a creditable return against Spain and Uruguay in particular, and their disciplined defensive structure has been central to that. Their friendly results tell a more mixed story, with a heavy defeat to Bermuda sandwiched around a comfortable win over Serbia. The group-stage achievements are genuine, but their attacking output of two goals in three competitive matches underlines the challenge ahead.

Qualified: World Cup 2026 teams already through to the knockout stage

• But Memphis Depay remains a talisman for his nation, becoming their all-time leading scorer when he netted his 51st international goal in September.
• Three teams earn qualification for the FIFA World Cup, and two will bank their spots in the play-off tournament, with Canada, Mexico and the USA automatically entering due to being hosts.
• There are eight LaLiga winners from Barcelona – but, tellingly, none from Real Madrid.
• At this stage, a reasonable projection places France as a potential winner.
• Spain vs England – A repeat of the 2024 Euro final may produce the same heartbreaking outcome for the 1966 World Cup winners.
• The draw is priced at 15/2, reflecting just how unlikely a stalemate is given the gap in class between these two sides.
• This can impact a team’s chances heavily, especially if it is a top goalscorer or stalwart defender that is essential to the way the nation plays.
• Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described the team’s misfortune as extraordinary after Iran became the first side at the tournament to have three goals ruled out by VAR.
• Colombia will become just the third South American team Portugal have faced at the World Cup, following previous meetings with Brazil and Uruguay.

These two met at the same stage of Euro 2024 and Spain won en route to glory. France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament. Houston is a long way from Canada, and this is probably where the co-hosts’ run comes to earth, with 2022 semifinalists Morocco going deep once more. Senegal looked sharp in their final win over Iraq but didn’t impress much against Norway ro France. European opponents tend to fill the United States with dread, but Bosnia has faded down the stretch in all of their matches, even the win over Qatar. Both of these teams have enjoyed free-scoring group-stage outingsm but if Sweden enter a 90-minute shootout with Kylian Mbappe and company, they are likely to be outgunned.

World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer’s Pre-Draw Projections

The final is on July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which holds about 82,500 fans. The 2022 semifinalists are through from Group C, and we are tipping them to upset the Netherlands. 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.

Below are all of the confirmed matches for the Round of 32, with the schedule for when they are played and a prediction on each game. The 2026 World Cup will be the broadest, most competitive, and most logistically complex tournament ever staged. 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.

It is 24 years since Brazil last prevailed and only once before have they endured a drought of that length since first winning in 1958, which was between 1970 and 1994. Portugal go into the World Cup with momentum after winning the Nations League under Roberto Martínez. Portugal are fifth favourites to triumph, as Cristiano Ronaldo seeks the one honour still missing from his trophy cabinet. Harry Kane shouldn’t be short of service and Tuchel will be buoyed by the fact his captain is coming off a sensational campaign with Bayern Munich that saw him win the European Golden Shoe award. France are seen as having the most difficult group of the leading teams, as they face Norway, Senegal and Iraq in Group I.

From the oldest coach in World Cup history to Lionel Messi’s and Kylian Mbappé’s chase for the all-time World Cup scoring record, history will likely be made this summer. Estadio Azteca is the most well-known in Mexico, but sites in Monterrey and Guadalajara will also be used. Then, in the United States, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle will be host cities. NFL stadiums have been retrofitted and rebranded to host the games due to FIFA rules, so you won’t see usual signage for places like AT&T Stadium; it will be labeled Dallas Stadium instead. Here are Paul Carr’s power rankings of all 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, separated into five distinct tiers. Gabriel Avalos has only scored twice in 25 appearances for his country, but there is again set to be a spot in the final third of the field for the 34-year-old.

Argentina vs. Colombia

We now live in a world where Brazil, the nation with more World Cups than any other, are considered ‘dark horses’. There is something quite romantic about one of the godfathers of management being appointed by the most famous footballing country to bring home the greatest prize in football for a record-extending sixth time. Argentina are overwhelming favourites to continue their perfect World Cup campaign, even with Lionel Messi confirmed to begin the match from the substitutes bench.

World Cup 2026: Guardian writers’ predictions for the tournament

Norway have nothing to lose and can hurt Brazil, but they have a defence that Vinicius and company can exploit enough times to progress. The first 48–team field in World Cup history has been filed down to 32 for the knockout stages. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described the team’s misfortune as extraordinary after Iran became the first side at the tournament to have three goals ruled out by VAR. Iran’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Team Melli missed out on the knockout stage by the narrowest of margins. 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.

Brobbey is expected to continue through the middle for Koeman’s team, with Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert and Crysencio Summerville set to be kept in reserve. Curaçao are the smallest nation by both area and population to ever get this far and following their progress is one of many fascinating subplots to look out for in a World Cup that is not to be missed. New Zealand, meanwhile, have a 47.8% hope of finding a way out of Group G. That’s another tight pool, as Belgium are favourites, but Egypt and Iran are also expected to compete.

Bosnia enter confidently after knocking out Italy and looks talented enough to win this group as long as Edin Dzeko can stay on the pitch at 40 years old. The Bosnian legend didn’t miss a minute in the playoffs against Wales and Italy despite injuring his shoulder. Switzerland’s experience and defensive structure should see them through comfortably, as well. Despite being co‑hosts, Canada remain difficult to trust due to inconsistency in group play, and a lack of high-end talent to get them past better teams. Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again.

Pochettino has had no choice but to experiment – in November, Giovani Reyna’s return to the squad saw him become the 51st player to start a game for the USMNT in 2025. Pochettino’s side did reach the final of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, despite star names including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson missing the tournament. 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 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams in the field, meaning that 48 different nations will be bringing their traditions and culture to the tournament. A key piece of that culture is the teams’ nicknames — the names that the fans know them by. Here’s how to watch all 104 World Cup matches for free, and here’s a channel guide for the group stage games. For those who prefer Spanish-language broadcasts, 92 games will be on Telemundo, with the other 12 matches (all simultaneous group finales) on Universo. The Yahoo Sports soccer team has its picks for Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, biggest disappointments and more right here.

The teams that can solve different tactical puzzles, manage their energy levels and thrive in hostile conditions usually find themselves going deepest into the competition. Luis de la Fuente and his squad of stars will want to change that and with Cape Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to come in Group H this summer, reaching the knockouts is unlikely to be a problem. Spain often have a who’s who of title winners from across Europe, and this summer is no different.

But it’s at the end of this chapter and moving that things get real, real serious. The bracket is set, and now all 32 teams can start to dream about their path to the final. 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One is a new free-to-play Yahoo Fantasy game where fans make picks each round, earn points and climb the leaderboard. Tactics and managerial decision-making can be the difference between winning and losing a World Cup game, and there are plenty of skippers in the tournament that have had success coaching around the globe. At age 40, Croatia’s Luka Modrić will be back for a fifth World Cup, assuming he recovers from cheekbone surgery in time.

Final Thought

Germany are the supercomputer’s fifth favourites with a 7.1% chance of winning a record-equalling fifth World Cup. 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. While our model doesn’t deviate too much from the conventional wisdom, we don’t have teams in quite the same order.

Taremi urged FIFA to resolve the issues, saying the governing body had failed to provide the support promised before the tournament. 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. They finished unbeaten on three points, second in Group H behind Spain. Colombia will become just the third South American team Portugal have faced at the World Cup, following previous meetings with Brazil and Uruguay. It’s one thing having World Cup predictions at your disposal, but it’s important to use them correctly and alongside your own research.

In his current role as a freelance content producer for The Sporting News, he writes betting content mostly for football but also tennis, golf, rugby union and Formula 1. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in a breathtaking final that ended 3-3 after extra time before the Albiceleste won on penalties. Here’s the latest odds for the top 10 favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.

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. In 11 of the 12 groups, a team has been picked by at least 70% of entries in Yahoo Sports’ Soccer Pick ‘Em with Fox One. Yahoo users are largely united about how the group stage will play out. In the United States, all 104 matches are in English on Fox (70) and FS1 (34), and all are streamed on Fox One.

African Nations to Watch in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top six betting favourites to take home the most prestigious international title. Debutants Uzbekistan are seen as having a slightly better chance of impressing than the other new nations, as they have a 0.2% chance of going all the way. A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. 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.

This has all of the makings of a very, very interesting match, and we have found it difficult to pick a winner here. Netherlands have been impressive this summer, but we are expecting Morocco to record a 2-1 victory in order to progress to the round of 16. Morocco have never won the World Cup, but they did reach the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament, which represented their best-ever run in the competition. Morocco, meanwhile, picked up seven points from their three games in Group C to finish second, only behind Brazil on goal difference.

Panama are given just an 8.9 percent chance of recording their first-ever World Cup victory, while the probability of them earning a maiden World Cup point stands at 12.6 percent. Six World Cup games, knockout places on the line, Cape Verde make history and Iran wait for a place in the Round of 32. With FIFA World Cup betting, it is key not to make silly mistakes which can immediately harm your chances of placing winning bets.

With nations playing so infrequently, head-to-head results can have a much larger impact than it does for club teams. It can be important to look at historical matchups like England vs Germany for example, and where the results over the years may indicate which team might win the upcoming game. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any intriguing games in the group stage. Here are 10 pivotal matchups you’ll see in group play before 32 teams move on to the knockout rounds.

For Lionel Messi and company, this is the start of their title defence in earnest. 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. Outright odds for the World Cup are decided based on numerous factors and considerations from bookmakers, such as team strength, form through qualifiers, performance against big nations, among other things. Moreover, with international tournaments and matches being played so sparingly, being able to get over the line and win trophies can play a huge role in deciding the winners of major tournaments like the World Cup. While powerhouse nations like France, Argentina and Spain remain favorites, the expanded format creates more room for upsets, dark horses and unexpected runs that can completely reshape the bracket.

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Reliable World Cup 2026 predictions depend on careful analysis of each team, its players, and its performance over time. While favorites are already taking shape, the true outcome will only be decided on the pitch. At this stage, a reasonable projection places France as a potential winner. Their ability to adapt during a match and their strength across all lines make them one of the safest picks in 2026 FIFA World Cup favorites predictions.

• England’s game control and defense will be hard to beat, but scoring on bigger stages has always been iffy.
• Furthermore, play-off spots will also feature teams from these continents too.
• 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.
• We have covered the seven teams who are most likely to win the tournament, but there are also a few other potential winners.
• They’re deep, everyone’s scoring, they’re changing and there is just a wealth of talent to choose from.
• But if France make the quarter-finals (they did so in 47.9% of sims), they then start to fare increasingly better in our projections.
• The most comprehensive World Cup 2026 predictions resource available.
• South Africa and Egypt both reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, while Turkiye finished bottom of Group D.
• France are seen as having the most difficult group of the leading teams, as they face Norway, Senegal and Iraq in Group I.
• France head the betting to win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday July 19.
• The group-stage achievements are genuine, but their attacking output of two goals in three competitive matches underlines the challenge ahead.
• The 48-team format’s wider R32 bracket creates more upset opportunities than the 32-team era.
• That triumph remains Three Lions’ biggest win in tournament history.

A German Mathematician Has Correctly Predicted The Last 3 World Cup Winners, And His 2026 Pick Has The Internet Divided

By popular request, we’ve changed the projected match results table to reflect the score after 90 minutes — not including extra time. However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances. We’ve added a new chart to show you the method of advancement (regulation, extra time, penalties) just to cover all our bases. 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. https://worldcup2026sea.com/teams/ I expect a tight match, possibly decided in extra time or penalties, with France finding a way through to a third straight final.

Group B: Bosnia Leads Competitive Group with Switzerland and Canada in the Mix

These teams last met in Oct. 2025 in which Japan won for the first time in 14 matches versus the Brazilians. The most telling duel of this fixture will be Cape Verde’s defensive block against Argentina’s movement in the final third. Messi has scored six goals in three World Cup 2026 group matches, meaning Cape Verde’s centre-backs Logan Costa and Roberto Lopes must track him constantly, which in turn creates space for Martinez and Alvarez to exploit. With Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez capable of picking passes from deep, the spaces behind Cape Verde’s defensive line are likely to be tested repeatedly and at pace from the first whistle. The World Cup 2026 knockout stage ruthlessly separates those who have managed a passage through a group from those who can compete at the elite level over 90 minutes.

Morocco, meanwhile, are the highest-rated African team after they were superbly shock semi-finalists in Qatar. Germany are overdue a strong result, and the supercomputer gives them a decent chance of achieving that, as they were finalists in 10.6% of sims. And the 38-year-old has continued to post stunning MLS numbers for Inter Miami over recent seasons as he prepares to lead his nation. With Messi complemented by two high-profile strikers still in their prime, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez, Argentina should not be short of goals. 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. France have reached the final in four of the last seven editions – twice as often as any other nation during that period – and it would be a surprise if they were not there or thereabouts once again.

France vs. Sweden: France -1.5

England are overwhelming favourites to claim all three points in New Jersey. According to the Opta supercomputer’s 25,000 pre-match simulations, the team has a 78.5 percent chance of winning. Similarly in the tournament itself, you might find that teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, or might be eliminated, which could lend itself to valuable FIFA World Cup betting opportunities if analysed correctly.

• Argentina’s quest to become just the third nation in World Cup history to successfully defend their title should face no real threat in Group J.
• Croatia are another team whose best days may be behind them but can never be ruled out.
• France beat Sweden 3-0 in a match that the model thought could get really out of hand, and it did.
• France will naturally sit near the top of most betting markets but they are easier to oppose than the odds suggest.
• Looking beyond this match, Germany have a 78.6 percent chance of reaching the round of 16 and a 4.4 percent probability of winning the World Cup.
• Ronald Koeman’s team have scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup and have emerged as a side to watch when it comes to a potential challenge for the trophy.
• 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 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.
• At the back, a Champions League final defensive duo of Gabriel and Marquinhos will be difficult to top throughout the tournament.

But when the tournament begins, the likelihood is that Ronaldo will hog the headlines, just as he did in Qatar in 2022 and at Euro 2024. 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. 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 top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed sides advance to the brand-new Round of 32.

• Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign has been a demonstration of controlled authority.
• Ivory Coast arguably should have won all three of their Group E matches after they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose late against Germany, but Emerse Fae’s team have found goals hard to come by.
• However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.
• They must get past Northern Ireland and potentially Wales to make it, with both of those sides hoping to join fellow home nations England and Scotland.
• We’ve added a new chart to show you the method of advancement (regulation, extra time, penalties) just to cover all our bases.
• Cape Verde’s three World Cup draws are a creditable return against Spain and Uruguay in particular, and their disciplined defensive structure has been central to that.
• Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter.
• But it remains to be seen whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will earn a historic call-up.
• Top 5 (Argentina, Spain, France, England, Brazil) most likely to reach this stage.
• Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top six betting favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.
• Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
• Before a ball has been kicked, Scotland’s likeliest result is seen as elimination in the round of 32.
• Six host nations have won the World Cup, most recently France in 1998.

Who is predicted to win the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026?

1960Tips.com has been the trusted destination for free football predictions, expert VIP picks, and sports betting analysis since 2017. Established in the UK — serving a global audience across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Portugal enter the tournament as legitimate title contenders for good reason. Their roster is stacked with talent from back to front, and the possibility of Ronaldo’s final World Cup only sharpens the focus.

FIFA World Ranking (40% weight)

Cape Verde made the knockout stage in just 33.9% of the sims (the fourth-lowest rate of any team), with Curaçao’s chance being even lower at 18.5% (the second-lowest, only above Haiti’s 15.9%). Croatia rank just above co-hosts USA and place 15th overall in terms of potential winners with a 1.6% chance. The Opta supercomputer is reasonably positive about the chances of the three co-host nations, suggesting all of them are likely to produce solid – albeit not necessarily spectacular – tournaments. We have covered the seven teams who are most likely to win the tournament, but there are also a few other potential winners.

Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer. However, Brazil’s form has been far from convincing, while Japan’s ability to compete with top sides suggests this could be far more competitive than expected. South Korea vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Despite overcoming Italy in the qualifying play-offs, this tie could spell the end of Bosnia’s World Cup journey. Argentina’s quest to become just the third nation in World Cup history to successfully defend their title should face no real threat in Group J. The last time France were in the same group with Senegal, it didn’t end well. They crashed out at the group stage at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

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.

• Switzerland’s experience and defensive structure should see them through comfortably, as well.
• They can dominate possession for long spells, suffocating opponents and conserving energy through control of the ball – but they can also go direct and attack space quickly when the game demands it.
• I’m taking a risk on Jordan to claim a knockout place and Algeria edging out Austria in an upset as one of the top third-place teams to advance to the Round of 32.
• For those who prefer Spanish-language broadcasts, 92 games will be on Telemundo, with the other 12 matches (all simultaneous group finales) on Universo.
• There are no major injury concerns for either side, with both managers expected to field their strongest available lineups.
• While favorites are already taking shape, the true outcome will only be decided on the pitch.
• Since Spain’s victory in South Africa, La Roja have not made it past the round of 16, exiting at that stage in the last two editions.
• Yet there remains a nagging doubt over whether the France manager can truly maximise what he has at his disposal.
• 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.
• Whatever your predictions, the only certainty is that we’ll all be surprised by something.
• The most likely route to over 3 is Argentina scoring freely rather than a high-scoring exchange, and Scaloni’s side have the firepower to deliver that in a knockout tie against a side with limited attacking threat.

They have topped their first-round pool in every World Cup since 1982 and have a 60.4% chance of winning Group C. Of course, they were famously crowned world champions in South Africa – but that 2010 success also represents the only time they have reached the semi-finals from their last 14 participations. 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.

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. But a rampant 5-0 victory in Serbia in September showcased the Three Lions’ potential, and the emergence of Elliot Anderson seems to have finally ended their search for a central midfield partner for Declan Rice. His England reign took some time to get going, as England laboured past Albania (3-0), Latvia (2-0), Andorra (1-0 and 2-0) and were beaten 3-1 by Senegal in a June friendly. But most of the favourites are set, with Lionel Messi hoping to help Argentina become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their crown.

• Tunisia’s unenviable record of failing to advance from the group stage in each of their six previous World Cup campaigns suggests they could struggle to keep pace with the rest of the pack.
• Group-by-group odds, knockout stage forecasts, and tapados watch — all powered by FIFA rankings, ELO ratings, and past tournament performance.
• They have only endured one previous drought of that length since first winning the tournament in 1958, between 1970 and 1994.
• Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after a 12‑year absence, built around a core of prime‑age players.
• Morocco asked plenty of questions of Brazil during their first game and Japan can present a similar sort of technically proficient, front-footed challenge.
• Similarly, tactics tend to play a large role for international teams.
• Germany and Paraguay meet in the knockout stage having faced each other only twice before.
• Cape Verde are not believed to have significant injury concerns heading into this fixture.
• The egos have been left at home and this group, which is full of pace and running, has been picked to flourish in the conditions.

For the co-hosts, Canada sits lowest in the rankings at 0.47%, with Mexico up at 1.81%. The USMNT leads the way once again at 2.45%, but there are 10 teams seen as more likely winners. 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. 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 glory.

France’s win in 2018.

The draw is priced at 15/2, reflecting just how unlikely a stalemate is given the gap in class between these two sides. This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only. If you choose to engage with betting partners featured on the site, always stay within your limits. Set deposit controls, take regular breaks, and know when to step back. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, support is available at GambleAware or GamCare. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.

Messi has shown no signs of slowing down, helping Inter Miami reach the Major League Soccer Cup final while contributing a staggering 35 goals and providing 21 assists in MLS action this year. 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. But there is a competitive race for the positions behind the England skipper after Tuchel suggested Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could not both start, while Cole Palmer’s season has barely got going due to injuries. 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. You can get daily World Cup 2026 match tips and predictions right here on 1960Tips.

With Mbappe in his prime, their knockout ceiling is the highest of any contender. Independent forecasts, betting tips and match analysis for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Model-driven forecasts for all 104 World Cup 2026 fixtures — group stage to the final. This version of Morocco has the tools to be more proactive against France, but that can be a double-edged sword, facing Les Bleus’ phenomenal attack.

With William Pacho and Moises Caicedo forming the spine of the team, they have the foundations required to frustrate even the elite nations. They conceded just eight goals across their last 16 World Cup qualifying matches, shutting out both Brazil and Argentina along the way. The Opta supercomputer gave the reigning world champions a 77.9 percent chance of victory across 25,000 pre-match simulations.

Make sure you stick to your research and utilise World Cup predictions when placing bets on the biggest tournament in world football. Similarly, tactics tend to play a large role for international teams. Spain for example have always played in a similar way which involves having lots of possession, whilst Italy for example have always been well-known for being resilient defensively. 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. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams and they are split into 12 different groups, with winners, runners up, and even some third placed teams qualifying into the knockout rounds of the Finals.

This promises to be one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32. 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. 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. A confident victory over Curaçao on Matchday 3 showcased both their defensive organisation and attacking threat. Norway, meanwhile, is making its first World Cup appearance since France 1998 and has looked every bit like a dangerous dark horse.

Final

• Brazil’s 5-title history matters less than their last 3 tournaments.
• During World Cup qualification, you may notice that certain teams have already qualified for the main tournament which may mean that they use some squad players or experiment with their lineup.
• 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.
• We asked the supercomputer to simulate the 2026 World Cup 25,000 times, and it has produced some fascinating conclusions in its official pre-tournament predictions.
• Netherlands (3.6%) and Norway (3.5%) rank highest in terms of possible World Cup winners.
• We have analyzed 64 matches across 48 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%.
• But there is one scenario our supercomputer is willing to rule out, as the only team who never won the tournament in any of our 25,000 simulations was Curaçao.
• None of the three co-hosts are favorites, but all three reached the knockouts and all three have a real story to tell.
• When the smart-money crowd converges on a Top 4, history suggests a team NOT in that group wins the tournament about 25% of the time.
• At age 40, Croatia’s Luka Modrić will be back for a fifth World Cup, assuming he recovers from cheekbone surgery in time.

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• Jesse Marsch has a 42.7% chance of leading his team to the last 16, which would represent a magnificent performance.
• A complete Python pipeline for predicting match outcomes, generatingexpected goals, and running Monte Carlo tournament simulations.Built for YouTube creators who want AI-powered soccer analysis.
• They were the only contender to come through the group stage with a perfect record, and they did it in the toughest group in the draw.
• Create a free account only when you want to save your bracket or join the prediction league.
• 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.
• 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…
• Our World Cup 2026 betting guide has all of the latest information on the match.
• Argentina, meanwhile, remain built for high-pressure knockout matches and possess an edge in composure and quality.

However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour. Netherlands vs Morocco – Even though the odds may be stacked against them, Morocco’s knack for upsetting elite opposition could produce the first major shock of the tournament. 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. 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.

• The draw was rated at 13.3 percent, leaving Jordan – who have already been eliminated from the 2026 tournament – with just an 8.8 percent chance of pulling off a famous upset and claiming their first-ever World Cup win.
• That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference.
• Cape Verde’s resilient defensive record is notable but was built against opposition that did not carry the same individual quality Argentina bring.
• Debutants Uzbekistan are seen as having a slightly better chance of impressing than the other new nations, as they have a 0.2% chance of going all the way.
• This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only.
• Houston is a long way from Canada, and this is probably where the co-hosts’ run comes to earth, with 2022 semifinalists Morocco going deep once more.
• Even if Brazil have improved as expected under Ancelotti, they are a rung below their great foes at present.
• Six host nations have won the World Cup, most recently France in 1998.
• However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any intriguing games in the group stage.
• He’s a winner and with the squad he’s picked, he obviously has a plan.
• 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.
• A team that performs consistently across different tournaments often carries that stability into the World Cup.
• However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.
• The expanded 48-team format added this extra knockout round for the first time, sending 32 of the 48 teams into single-elimination ties before the Round of 16.

Portugal, who arrive in the US, Canada and Mexico ranked fifth in the world and fourth favourites for the tournament, are in a favourable-looking Group K alongside the likes of Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Firstly, England have the squad and it’s been picked for purpose by Thomas Tuchel. The egos have been left at home and this group, which is full of pace and running, has been picked to flourish in the conditions.

For example, if Netherlands finish second in Group F – not inconceivable as they face decent opposition in Japan, Sweden and Tunisia – they would then have to play the winners of Group C – most likely Brazil – in the round of 32. 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. Ronaldo and his great rival Messi will make history this summer when they appear, becoming the first players to participate in six separate World Cups.