For those who prefer Spanish-language broadcasts, 92 games will be on Telemundo, with the other 12 matches (all simultaneous group finales) on Universo. 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. Before the biggest FIFA tournament ever kicks off, some predictions are in order. The field has been supersized from 32 to 48 teams and the competition will begin in earnest on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa at Mexico City’s famed Estadio Azteca.
World Cup: To advance, the U.S. will have to end its five-year European curse
Furthermore, it can simply lead to a drop in motivation levels, especially if they face a team needing to win to earn a place in the World Cup Finals. 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. Last time out in 2022, Holland reached the quarter-finals, and a win over Morocco would see them secure a spot in the round of 16 against South Africa and Canada, opening up a route into the final eight of the tournament. Netherlands have reached the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy (three), while Norway are flying having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with 37 goals – the most of any team.
Portugal, Brazil and Germany Pose Threat
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.
All 48 Teams
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. The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era in French football, with Didier Deschamps set to stand down from his role as Les Bleus’ head coach after 14 years at the helm. He will hope to go out with a bang and cement his legacy as France’s greatest boss. 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. 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. A host nation with its collective tail up and bleary-eyed fans enduring a 1 a.m.
- Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino were among Spain’s star performers in qualifying.
- Les Éléphants have reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group E behind Germany on goal difference.
- Germany are four-time world champions, but they were knocked out in the group stage of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
- With that in mind, there are not many outcomes which can be completely dismissed.
- While Jordan are playing only for pride, Argentina will be looking to maintain their perfect record and head into the knockout stages with maximum 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.
- The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era in French football, with Didier Deschamps set to stand down from his role as Les Bleus’ head coach after 14 years at the helm.
- 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.
- Senegal looked sharp in their final win over Iraq but didn’t impress much against Norway ro France.
What are the predictions for Colombia vs Portugal?
48 teams compete at the 2026 World Cup — expanded from 32 at Qatar 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.
World Cup 2026: Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez lead Mexico to dominant 2-0 win over South Africa
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. He just scores goals – 61 of them to be precise this season – and this summer he looks to be heading into the tournament in peak world cup 2026 picks physical condition.
DR Congo clinched its first-ever spot in the World Cup knockout stage, and with that, the nation was rewarded with England. Three Lions have had a tumultuous and injury-riddled group stage, but Thomas Tuchel’s squad should still come out on top. For the first time in World Cup history, the winners and runners-up of each group will be joined in the knockout round of 32 by the eight best third-placed teams. The placement of each team will affect whom they face in the knockout round. The Round of 32 began on June 28, 2026 and runs through July 3. 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.
Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex. 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.
- This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only.
- With the Round of 32 underway and this 48-team field wide open, we will update these picks after every round.
- Germany failed to impress in their final group match, but with qualification already secured, the result had little significance.
- Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
- Three Lions have had a tumultuous and injury-riddled group stage, but Thomas Tuchel’s squad should still come out on top.
- 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.
- Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.
- Japan, meanwhile, have not displayed the same level of dominance even within their confederation.
- Of the teams in the bottom quarter of our projections, there are a few standout nations who the system thinks could spring a surprise.
- The defending champions won Group J with a perfect record and drew the kinder half of the bracket.
- Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is already the only man to score at five World Cups, as the 41-year-old strives for the one major international trophy that has eluded him.
- 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.
World Cup: How third-place teams can still advance to the knockout stage
- With William Pacho and Moises Caicedo forming the spine of the team, they have the foundations required to frustrate even the elite nations.
- Tap a contender to see its group run and knockout path, then lock in your pick.
- Appearing at their first World Cup since 1998, the Tartan Army are given a 0.2% chance of lifting the trophy, level with the likes of South Africa, Australia, Iran and Tunisia.
- The Leopards, meanwhile, have produced encouraging displays so far, drawing 1-1 with Portugal before suffering a narrow 1…
- A key piece of that culture is the teams’ nicknames — the names that the fans know them by.
- 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.
- As Canada look sharp up front and determined to go all the way at the showpiece tournament, we predict a 2-0 away win.
- On this page you can view World Cup 2026 analysis and predictions.
- The Netherlands produced a series of convincing displays in Group F, defeating both Sweden and Tunisia while sharing the spoils with Japan…
- 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.
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. That flexibility feels particularly important in a World Cup likely to be played in extreme temperatures. 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. 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.
World Cup 2026: USMNT locks up spot in knockout rounds with 2-0 win over Australia
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. 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.
As Belgium have been raising their form game by game, our prediction points toward a 2-1 home win. Belgium sealed their place in the last 32 with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard stealing the show by scoring a brace…. The dramatic elimination sparked emotional reactions across Iran. 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.
Knockout Stage Predictions
With one of the most dramatic club seasons in recent memory only just behind us, the stakes are about to get even higher, with the biggest prize in football up for grabs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, France bring Championship pedigree, combining 2018 winners Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele with a new generation led by Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki. Ghana cannot be overlooked, as Antoine Semenyo provides genuine danger, but I expect the European sides to control this group with Ghana likely finishing as one of the best third-place teams.
How Often is the FIFA World Cup Played?
We’ve lost big names like Uruguay, Scotland and Türkiye, but all the pre-tournament favorites are still alive and kicking in pursuit of glory across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to a close and it’s full steam ahead into the round of 32. Luis de la Fuente’s side are arguably the best-equipped team in the tournament because they possess two attributes that are often difficult to marry together. 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. 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.
World Cup 2026 bracket: Latest Round of 32 results
Given the huge gap in quality between the two teams, we predict a routine 2-0 home win. England secured top spot in Group L with victories over Panama and Croatia, while sharing the spoils with Ghana. Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions, four years on from Lionel Messi’s long-awaited crowning moment, and as the all-time great prepares for his last dance on this stage. Ronald Koeman’s side won 47.6 percent of the 25,000 pre-match simulations, while Morocco progressed in 25.0 percent. The remaining 27.4 percent of simulations were level after 90 minutes, sending the match to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
Victory would see Algeria win back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time. Uzbekistan came out on top in 26.8 percent of simulations, while the draw was rated at 24.3 percent, leaving the Central Asian side with an outside chance of reaching the Round of 32. Portugal are slight favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, winning 51.6 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations. 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. That triumph remains Three Lions’ biggest win in tournament history.
Final
Brazil has elite talent, though their depth remains a concern following long-term injuries to Estevao and Rodrygo months before the tournament starts. I’m giving Morocco the edge to win the group due to their cohesion and leadership from Achraf Hakimi, as well as difference‑makers like Ez Abde. Scotland could pose a threat with players like Scott McTominay and John McGinn, but they’re still at a disadvantage against better teams. They still should have enough to advance as one of the best third‑place teams ahead of Haiti.
- France head the betting to win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday July 19.
- I expect a tight match, possibly decided in extra time or penalties, with France finding a way through to a third straight final.
- With 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, there’s more disparity across the four-team groups than we’re typically used to.
- But Mexico are given only a 1.0% chance of victory, putting them behind fellow co-hosts United States, Japan and Ecuador, and level with Senegal.
- Stephen Eustaquio’s late goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the co-hosts, with head coach Jesse Marsch telling his players they had become “Canadian heroes” and inspired the next generation of footballers.
- But it remains to be seen whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will earn a historic call-up.
- This contest may be decided in extra time or penalties, favoring Senegal.
- Both nations are chasing a place in the last 16, but only one will keep their World Cup dream alive.
- For those who prefer Spanish-language broadcasts, 92 games will be on Telemundo, with the other 12 matches (all simultaneous group finales) on Universo.
- Morocco, meanwhile, picked up seven points from their three games in Group C to finish second, only behind Brazil on goal difference.
- Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998, and this World Cup will be the first for Mbappé as France skipper.
- However, history is unlikely to repeat itself this time around, at least for the back-to-back World Cup finalists.
SportsLine’s soccer experts have revealed their World Cup picks and World Cup predictions for Tuesday, June 30
They could give Germany a run for their money in Group E and are given a 43.4% chance of reaching the last 16. But Mexico are given only a 1.0% chance of victory, putting them behind fellow co-hosts United States, Japan and Ecuador, and level with Senegal. Mexico, who will play South Africa in the opening game at Estadio Azteca, also fare reasonably well in our sims.
France head the betting to win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday July 19. 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. 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 many UK bookmakers after crushing Sweden. This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who Will Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The Opta Supercomputer Predictions
Die Mannschaft actually locked horns with Paraguay in the last-16 stage of the 2002 World Cup, recording a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late effort from Oliver Neuville. Germany are four-time world champions, but they were knocked out in the group stage of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. DFB-Team were not mentioned as one of the serious challengers for the trophy pre-tournament, and they are still regarded as outsiders at this stage, especially as France could be waiting in the last-16 stage of the tournament. 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. Our World Cup 2026 betting guide has all of the latest information on the match.
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. 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.
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. Even if Lamine Yamal fails to recover for the early stages of the competition, this should be plain sailing for Spain, as they hope to build upon their 2024 UEFA European Championship triumph. A battle for second place ought to be far more exciting, with Iran likely to put Egypt’s credentials to the test after a decent group-stage campaign in Qatar. Cape Verde (0.1%) have qualified and are the second-smallest nation by population (after Iceland in 2018) to achieve the feat. They fared slightly better with our model than the other first-timers Curaçao and Jordan (both 0.04%).
- 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.
- He was in the squad that swept all before them to win Euro 2024 in such impressive style just two summers ago.
- Before locking in any Brazil vs. Japan picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, you need to see what proven soccer expert Jon Eimer has to say.
- 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.
- 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.
- He finally has that winning feeling at Bayern and maybe, just maybe, he’s ready to fire England to glory too.
- For the complete match-by-match schedule with dates, times, and venues, see our full World Cup 2026 fixtures guide.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQ About World Cup 2026 Predictions
- Even if Lamine Yamal fails to recover for the early stages of the competition, this should be plain sailing for Spain, as they hope to build upon their 2024 UEFA European Championship triumph.
- Los Cafeteros come into the knockout stage unbeaten in their last group games, beating Uzbekistan and DR Congo while drawing 0-0 with Portugal, a match in which they produced 24 shots on goal.
- If any of them capture form and momentum at the right time, they will prove tough to stop.
- MetLife Stadium will be the centre of attention when France and Sweden lock horns in an exciting last-32 encounter.
- 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.
- Despite the promise shown by their young core, the Americans still seem a step behind the world’s true elite.
- Before a ball has been kicked, Scotland’s likeliest result is seen as elimination in the round of 32.
- 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.
- Jesse Marsch has a 42.7% chance of leading his team to the last 16, which would represent a magnificent performance.
- No team has greater odds of reaching the round of 16 than Argentina.
- Brilliant Bernardo Silva and the livewire Rafael Leao are in Roberto Martinez’s squad too.
- For the complete match-by-match schedule with dates, times, and venues, see our full World Cup 2026 fixtures guide.
Five wins from five across all competitions, with ten goals scored and just one conceded in that run. Three of those victories came in competitive World Cup fixtures against varied opposition, and the only goal shipped was against Jordan in a dead-rubber group finale. Argentina are in clinical form and showing no signs of complacency heading into the knockout rounds.
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. Norway are the dark horse, and Lionel Messi heads the Golden Boot race after becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer.
🔌 Adding Live Data (During Tournament)
The 2026 World Cup is 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. Live scores for every match of the 2026 World Cup, in your timezone.
Group D: Turkey vs USA Headline Group with Knockout Stakes
- Jesse Marsch’s co-hosts missed out on top spot in Group B after defeat to Switzerland and must decamp to L.A.
- Ghana were victorious in 17.6 percent of simulations, while the draw was rated at 26.2 percent.
- The remaining 27.4 percent of simulations were level after 90 minutes, sending the match to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
- Mexico’s consistency makes them a reliable choice, as well as playing at home, while South Korea’s speed can be dangerous on the counterattack.
- Our World Cup 2026 betting guide has all of the latest information on the match.
- Netherlands (3.6%) and Norway (3.5%) rank highest in terms of possible World Cup winners.
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. 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.
World Cup record watch
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.
How far will the host nations get?
- Netherlands have reached the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy (three), while Norway are flying having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with 37 goals – the most of any team.
- Make sure you stick to your research and utilise World Cup predictions when placing bets on the biggest tournament in world football.
- It’s one thing having World Cup predictions at your disposal, but it’s important to use them correctly and alongside your own research.
- Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history.
- 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.
- ET with Norway vs. Ivory Coast, followed by France vs. Sweden at 5 p.m.
- 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.
- With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
- DFB-Team were not mentioned as one of the serious challengers for the trophy pre-tournament, and they are still regarded as outsiders at this stage, especially as France could be waiting in the last-16 stage of the tournament.
France have stumbled before, most notably conceding three goals in the 2022 final. With history on the line, I see France growing complacent, allowing Portugal to seize the moment with a historic 1–0 victory, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career with ultimate glory. 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.
- The Opta supercomputer makes Germany the clear favourites to progress.
- However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour.
- Earn points, climb the leaderboard, and create private leagues with friends.
- 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.
- However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances.
- These teams met in the last 16 in Qatar and Argentina had to endure some nervy moments.
- Established in the UK — serving a global audience across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
- Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino were among Spain’s star performers in qualifying.
- 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.
Fresh match predictions, betting tips, and analysis updated every day throughout the tournament. Here is each team’s probability of winning the World Cup, and advancing to each stage of the knockout round, using an old-school, FiveThirtyEight heatmap format. France’s flawless group stage made them the favorite, Argentina drew the kinder half of the bracket, Norway are the dark horse, and Messi leads the Golden Boot race as the competition’s all-time top scorer.
Coming closest to Spain in the pre-tournament predictions are France (13.0%), who have contested the last two finals, long-suffering England (11.2%) and defending champions Argentina (10.4%). 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. All eyes will be on Estadio BBVA when the Netherlands and Morocco face each other in a highly-anticipated World Cup showdown. As the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of this round 32 clash, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw. The Netherlands produced a series of convincing displays in Group F, defeating both Sweden and Tunisia while sharing the spoils with Japan… 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.
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. Six of the teams appearing at the tournament are still to be decided, with four qualifying via the UEFA play-offs and another two via the inter-confederation playoffs. On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Rui Aguas guided his side to three draws in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, which proved enough to advance, making them one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Their organised defensive shape has been the foundation throughout, keeping clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia and conceding only twice across three games. However, the step up to face Argentina in a knockout tie is of a different magnitude entirely.
The USA enter a home tournament with their strongest squad in a generation, headlined by Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Yunus Musah. While outright victory may be a stretch, a deep run by either CONCACAF nation feels plausible. They are robust, organised, physically powerful and extremely difficult to break down.
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