FIFA World Cup 2026 Simulator Predict Tournament Results

05/06/2026

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. It’s the best way to make every World Cup match more exciting. 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.

World Cup 2026 predictor

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. That places significant responsibility on Joao Pedro, who has impressed at Chelsea, but it remains uncertain whether that will be enough, or even if he’s locked into the XI. Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch.

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.

World Cup winner longshot pick: Sweden (+

A 5-1 win over Uruguay in November means South American opposition in the form of Paraguay should not hold the fear it once did.
One recurring issue in recent years has been their lack of a true centre-forward.
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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.
For each of 12 groups, rank teams from 1st through 4th place.
With 16 extra teams compared to previous editions, the group stage alone will feature 72 matches — more than the entire 2022 World Cup.
The expanded format introduces 12 groups and a Round of 32 knockout stage, making it the biggest World Cup in history with 104 total matches played across 16 iconic venues.
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.
Mauricio Pochettino will spearhead the United States Men’s National Team, with ambitions of advancing to their first quarterfinal since 2002, via The Mirror US.
Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
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Before bowing out in the group stages four years ago in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout phase at seven consecutive World Cups. With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again. My feeling is that Haiti are the most likely team in that group to be eliminated. In a three-match group, one slow start can ruin everything, and Haiti will probably need a near-perfect game to take points from Brazil or Morocco. If they manage to stay alive until Matchday 3, they will already have done well.

Jordan have earned respect by becoming one of Asia’s most improved teams, and they will not go to North America just to make up the numbers. But the jump from breakthrough side to World Cup knockout contender is huge. Argentina’s quality, Austria’s organization, and Algeria’s tournament experience make Jordan a clear underdog in that group. Jordan is making their first-ever World Cup appearance, and that alone makes them one of the tournament’s best storylines.

The Netherlands’ world ranking of No. 7 feels a touch too high.
With an aging squad and lack of starpower, this is the highest Germany’s odds have been to win a World Cup in years.
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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.
It is a look at the teams with the toughest path, the thinnest squad depth, and the most unforgiving group-stage draw.
Whether you’re following the USMNT at home, cheering for Canada’s golden generation or tracking dark horses from Africa and Asia, there’s never been more football to predict.
Argentina vs. England feels like one that will need longer than 90 minutes to settle.
The usual suspects are likely to be in the conversation at the business end of the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to lead Portugal to World Cup glory should begin with a relatively straightforward group-stage campaign, even though Colombia possess the quality to make life uncomfortable for the Iberians.
It awaits to be seen if Neymar will be fit, but if he is, that gives Brazil’s current odds some value.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams in 12 groups of four.
Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off.
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.
It will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of 4.
Group A is a difficult group, with three teams capable of advancing.

Use it to pick which team qualifies from each group, then click a team in any matchup to advance them to the next round. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams (32 in total) advance to the knockout Round of 32.

World Cup will introduce new FIFA-approved rule changes

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. Southgate’s England teams were also solid at the back but rarely free-flowing.

How to Use This World Cup 2026 Predictor

They could end up facing a Poland side they were unable to beat during qualification if the Eastern European giants progress from a UEFA playoff path featuring Ukraine, Albania and Sweden. Japan beat Spain and Germany in the group stage last time around and have a recent friendly win over Brazil to their name. Prediction pools are popular across the US, UK, Canada and Australia for major tournaments. With the 2026 World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there’s never been a better time to start your own pool. 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. Cape Verde are well organized and far more disciplined than many first-time qualifiers, but Spain and Uruguay are the sort of opponents who rarely allow a debutant much breathing room.

The 48-Team Knockout Bracket

Throw in guys like William Saliba and Michael Olise, among others, and it’s hard not to like this group. Teams can survive the group stage without being dominant, adding a new level of strategy and scoreboard-watching. For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections.

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. 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. 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.

🚀 Quick Start

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. Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to lead Portugal to World Cup glory should begin with a relatively straightforward group-stage campaign, even though Colombia possess the quality to make life uncomfortable for the Iberians. 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. 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.

Colombia remain a threat thanks to Luis Diaz playing some of the best football of his career.
It reflects the 48-team structure, the new Round of 32 stage, and the predetermined knockout paths set out in FIFA’s tournament regulations, including how third-place teams are assigned to specific matches.
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.
Next year, it will have been 24 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup.
Curaçao are one of the great stories of World Cup 2026, but their story may still end in 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.
It gives searchers one place for dates, teams to follow, prediction markets, and the analysis workflow ScorePoint AI will apply once match-level data is available.
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.
There’s rarely much to choose between France and Germany in their heavyweight encounters but the enviable array of talent Didier Deschamps has at his disposal looks too much this time around.
Cape Verde are well organized and far more disciplined than many first-time qualifiers, but Spain and Uruguay are the sort of opponents who rarely allow a debutant much breathing room.
The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde.

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

Their Group E opponents are Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, which is a very rough landing spot for a debutant. 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.

This is an independent fan experience and is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or any official tournament organizer. We share FIFA World Cup 2026 updates for informational purposes only. A dedicated section in the simulator lists all twelve third-place teams in ranked order, with a clear cutoff line after the eighth position so that the qualifiers and the eliminated teams are easy to identify. Build your bracket, click Share, and send the link to coworkers. The predictor is mobile-first — tap to rank groups and pick a champion, no drag-and-drop required.

While it’s hard to see them going the distance, especially with 5 knockout matches now, the German’s know how to win this tournament and can’t be counted out against any opponent they come across. See who AI rates for the trophy, group winners, qualification paths and possible surprises before the tournament starts. The page is built for tournament intent before the first match. It gives searchers one place for dates, teams to follow, prediction markets, and the analysis workflow ScorePoint AI will apply once match-level data is available.

Colombia vs. Spain

Belgium should control this group, but the remaining positions are harder to predict. 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.

Quarter Finals

The FIFA World Cup 2026 spreadsheets below are a complete collection of Excel templates designed to help football fans track match results, analyze statistics, and run prediction games with friends, family, or colleagues. Set up a free prediction pool for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with friends, family or coworkers. Predict scores, follow live results and compete on the leaderboard. This is the kind of group where one slow performance can end your hopes quickly.

Build your bracket, click Share, and send the link to coworkers.
The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up qualify automatically for the Round of 32, joined by the 8 best third-placed teams.
My feeling is that Haiti are the most likely team in that group to be eliminated.
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.
So, Tuchel is also expected to provide better entertainment, and he certainly has the tools to do so, with a stunning array of options to choose from, particularly in the attacking midfield positions.
The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde.
Brazil haven’t won the World Cup since 2002 and will hope to end that drought, while host nations USA, Mexico and Canada will all look to leave their mark.
It gives searchers one place for dates, teams to follow, prediction markets, and the analysis workflow ScorePoint AI will apply once match-level data is available.
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.
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

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. 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.

Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex.
For live results and data-driven forecasts, see the Predictions page.
Want to simulate the full tournament after finishing your group predictions?
Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, et al can help Norway take down a Dutch side weary from their famous win over Brazil.
And there has been no downturn from De la Fuente’s side since.
Spain are the European champions and keen to make up for a string of underwhelming World Cup showings since their 2010 success, while England under Thomas Tuchel are looking to end 60 years of hurt.
Set up a free prediction pool for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with friends, family or coworkers.
Use our printable variant to write score predictions next to each match by hand.
Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
For quiniela / bolão scoring systems that reward exact scores.
FIFA’s current format sends the top two teams in each group into the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams, which means the margin for error is still very small even in an expanded tournament.

Portugal’s depth and momentum give them the edge, and I see them pulling off the upset to reach their first World Cup final. 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. Bosnia’s effort and organization should not be overlooked, but overcoming a Portuguese side featuring players like Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes would require something exceptional.

Tournament Statistics

Maradona in 1986 (30 shots, 19 open-play chances created, 53 fouls won). 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.

He will hope to go out with a bang and cement his legacy as France’s greatest boss.
England and Croatia both have deep tournament experience, and Ghana can be chaotic and dangerous in exactly the right way for a World Cup group.
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.
That side of the draw could open up for England if they end Mexico’s interest in their home tournament.
South Korea takes on Czech Republic in a well-balanced matchup, where discipline, organization, and taking chances could be key factors.
South Africa, however, will be motivated to challenge and avoid an early setback.
Football’s biggest stage returns this summer as a stacked line-up of global contenders collide in pursuit of 2026 FIFA World Cup glory.
Meanwhile, Canada meets Bosnia & Herzegovina in an intriguing clash.
They could end up facing a Poland side they were unable to beat during qualification if the Eastern European giants progress from a UEFA playoff path featuring Ukraine, Albania and Sweden.
The Selecao’s depth of talent should be enough to pip Colombia to top spot.
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.

That side of the draw could open up for England if they end Mexico’s interest in their home tournament. 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.

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. 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. 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.

And of course, there are also six teams still to be decided in March’s play-offs. There is currently a combined 3.7% chance of any of those sides going all the way, with Italy surely the most likely candidates if they can end their World Cup exile. Croatia are another team whose best days may be behind them but can never be ruled out. Semi-finalists in both 2018 and 2022, they are assigned a 1.1% chance of glory – lower than Mexico and Uruguay (1.7%), whose coach Bielsa recently went on a rant in a press conference following speculation over his position.

Still, they should not be overlooked, as Takefusa Kubo’s creativity and their speed on the counter could make this a difficult contest. This group appears straightforward, with Brazil and Morocco standing out as the strongest sides. Brazil has elite talent, though their depth remains a concern following long-term injuries to Estevao and Rodrygo months before the tournament starts.

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. 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. There’s rarely much to choose between France and Germany in their heavyweight encounters but the enviable array of talent Didier Deschamps has at his disposal looks too much this time around. Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, et al can help Norway take down a Dutch side weary from their famous win over Brazil.

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. Group A is a difficult group, with three teams capable of advancing.

Algeria are first up for Messi & Co, with tournament debutants Jordan also looking to make an impression. 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 World Cup predictions page offers structured coverage of the tournament across all stages.

World Cup 2026: The biggest tournament in history

This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cape Verde (0.1%) have qualified and are the second-smallest nation by population (after Iceland in 2018) to achieve the feat.
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This template is designed specifically for tracking goal scorers and top scorers throughout the tournament.
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Their roster is stacked with talent from back to front, and the possibility of Ronaldo’s final World Cup only sharpens the focus.
Reigning world champions Argentina confirmed their status as a tournament machine at the 2024 Copa America.
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.
Manual selection chooses a winner or a draw for each match, with standings updating instantly using the official tiebreakers.
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.
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.

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. 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. The World Cup standings show current table positions, points totals, and recent form for all teams.

For each of 12 groups, rank teams from 1st through 4th place. The top 2 of each group qualify automatically; under the new 48-team format, the 8 best third-placed teams join them to fill out the Round of 32. Build a bracket, make your picks, or just check today’s scores. The 2026 World Cup is World Cup 2026 Host Cities co-hosted by the United States (11 venues), Mexico (3 venues), and Canada (2 venues) across 16 stadiums. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

World Cup Golden Boot Odds: Full Player List

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.
Build your bracket, click Share, and send the link to coworkers.
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.
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.
Jordan have earned respect by becoming one of Asia’s most improved teams, and they will not go to North America just to make up the numbers.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
It all started 12 years ago when I used an economic model to forecast the winner of the World Cup in Brazil.
It reflects the 48-team structure, the new Round of 32 stage, and the predetermined knockout paths set out in FIFA’s tournament regulations, including how third-place teams are assigned to specific matches.
The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up qualify automatically for the Round of 32, joined by the 8 best third-placed teams.
So, Tuchel is also expected to provide better entertainment, and he certainly has the tools to do so, with a stunning array of options to choose from, particularly in the attacking midfield positions.
The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde.

Germany’s recent World Cup campaigns have fallen short since their 2014 triumph. While they showed promise at UEFA EURO 2024, France enter with superior depth and balance. Having reached the latter stages repeatedly, this feels like an opportunity France cannot let slip, and their overall quality should see them through.

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. 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. Opening that link reproduces the exact bracket, which allows predictions to be compared or revisited later.

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. And after Messi finally ended his wait for a World Cup win in Qatar, Portugal are assigned a 6.6% chance of giving Ronaldo his own crowning moment. Germany are the supercomputer’s fifth favourites with a 7.1% chance of winning a record-equalling fifth World Cup. 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. 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.

About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage

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. 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. Use our predictor tool to select the winners of each group and each knockout round at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. 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.

Those teams round out the top 10 favourites, with Belgium next with a 1.9% probability. Many members of the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ remain in the fold, even if the years are starting to catch up with them. But it remains to be seen whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will earn a historic call-up. 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.

Hopefully, there’s plenty riding on their match that closes the group. 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. Scotland and Haiti are better than just making up the numbers here but are realistically playing for one of the eight best third-place spots. 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.

World Cup Format Explained (48 Teams, Knockout Path)

South Africa are not without talent, and they arrive with the kind of national excitement that can lift a squad. Even so, the group is packed with teams that know how to handle major tournaments, and the opening match against co-host Mexico will be a fierce way to begin. What makes Curaçao fascinating is that they are not a filler team. Their squad is built heavily from Dutch-raised players, and the team qualified by staying unbeaten in the final phase of qualifying.

England’s game control and defense will be hard to beat, but scoring on bigger stages has always been iffy. Then again, Harry Kane scored freely across Bundesliga and Champions League this season, at times playing in a deeper role than usual. 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. 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.

Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession. On this page you can view World Cup 2026 analysis and predictions. Statistical data, team form, and recent match history are taken into account, and predictions are automatically generated by AI with an accuracy of over 71.9%. 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.