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. 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.

• No nation has retained the men’s World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and the expanded 48-team format adds an extra knockout round and more upset paths than any previous edition.
• Our free AI tip for Belgium vs Senegal — home team wins or draw, with 89% confidence.
• Compare World Cup betting odds now with our recommended betting sites and find the latest prices for teams to win the tournament.
• England will be looking to secure top spot in Group L when they take on already-eliminated Panama in their final group-stage match.
• But, of course, that previous World Cup dry spell ended with victory in a tournament hosted by the United States.
• 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.
• 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.
• I would feel more confident in the U.S. going through to the semifinals in that scenario than us against someone like Spain.
• Canada reached the last 16 thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring the dec…

The FIFA World Cup is one of the most highly-anticipated football events and commands enormous betting interest from players. Played every four years, teams battle it out for the Jules Rimet trophy and to have their name etched in history as World Cup winners. This knockout matchup is a close one, but Morocco hold the edge.

Building momentum heading into a tournament is huge, and the vast majority of nations will play friendly matches with their strongest teams in close proximity to the tournament to build a rapport between the players. All three teams have a chance greater than 5% of winning the tournament, and of at least 10% to reach the final. The trio are closely matched and have regularly traded ranking positions leading up to the summer. These World Cup 2026 predictions combine the final group standings and results with our own group-by-group analysis, updated after every matchday. The picks weigh how each team actually performed, the strength of their group, and the bracket path ahead of them. This page is refreshed after each knockout round, so the picks always reflect the latest results.

• Netherlands topped Group F with seven points to breeze into the round of 32, while Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, also claiming seven points from three games.
• Ancelotti was only in charge for the final five games of their campaign, but less than eight months into his reign, he has already overseen surprise defeats to Bolivia and Japan, as well as poor draws with Ecuador and Tunisia.
• 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.
• They are more likely than not (52.0%) to get as far as the last 16 and have a healthy 24.2% chance of making the last eight.
• “Sweden began their group stage campaign with a 5-1 win against Tunisia, but they then lost 5-1 to the Netherlands. A 1-1 draw with Japan means they conceded seven games in three group stage games,” Green said.
• The resurgence of James Rodríguez made headlines at that competition, as he led the way for chances created (20) and assists (six) – that latter tally equalled the record for a single edition, alongside Brazil’s Alex in 2003.
• But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing.
• Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again.
• Argentina will look to move one step closer toward their fourth World Cup trophy when they face Cape Verde in the last 32 of the showpiece tournament.
• The issue for both is they will first have to negotiate their way through difficult groups and, if they don’t finish top in the initial stage, that could hinder them with a tougher path to the final.
• These teams met in the last 16 in Qatar and Argentina had to endure some nervy moments.

Popular in International

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. Before a ball has been kicked, Scotland’s likeliest result is seen as elimination in the round of 32. They made it out of their group two-thirds of the time (66.1%), and a last-16 berth is a realistic objective, as this was achieved at a rate of 24.4%.

• With FIFA World Cup betting, it is key not to make silly mistakes which can immediately harm your chances of placing winning bets.
• From the greatest individual rivalry of the 21st century to the greatest international soccer rivalry of all time.
• Like Messi, Ronaldo will appear at a record-breaking sixth edition of the World Cup, but of his eight goals in 22 games at the tournament, three have been penalties and none have come in the knockout stages.
• They conceded just eight goals across their last 16 World Cup qualifying matches, shutting out both Brazil and Argentina along the way.
• Arrowhead Stadium will host a compelling World Cup last-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana, with both sides arriving after contrasting group-stage performances.
• Anchored by a veteran Casemiro, who can cap off a trophy-laden career with the holy grail of international football.
• However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games.
• Colombia remain a threat thanks to Luis Diaz playing some of the best football of his career.
• Lewandowski scored his tally in 10 games, two more than Haaland.
• The World Cup 2026 bracket has handed them what looks on paper like their most straightforward possible knockout assignment, and they enter this match having conceded just once in three competitive fixtures at the tournament.
• That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph.

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

All 48 Teams

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. The same cannot be said of Norway and their rested and refreshed talisman Erling Haaland. Get expert predictions for every match, updated daily throughout the tournament. They face Ghana and could reach the quarterfinals without meeting a top seed. Debutants Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of two-time champions Uruguay, who went home. South Africa and Egypt both reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, while Turkiye finished bottom of Group D.

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

Argentina vs Cape Verde Prediction

• Like Messi, Ronaldo will appear at a record-breaking sixth edition of the World Cup, but of his eight goals in 22 games at the tournament, three have been penalties and none have come in the knockout stages.
• With FIFA World Cup betting, it is key not to make silly mistakes which can immediately harm your chances of placing winning bets.
• Spain vs England – A repeat of the 2024 Euro final may produce the same heartbreaking outcome for the 1966 World Cup winners.
• Colombia will become just the third South American team Portugal have faced at the World Cup, following previous meetings with Brazil and Uruguay.
• They conceded just eight goals across their last 16 World Cup qualifying matches, shutting out both Brazil and Argentina along the way.
• If you’re looking for a simple way to watch the World Cup in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo, Xfinity makes it easy to follow the World Cup and stay connected to global soccer year‑round.
• Whatever your predictions, the only certainty is that we’ll all be surprised by something.
• However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games.
• South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing.
• 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.
• That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph.
• Congo DR and Uzbekistan are unlikely to factor heavily, making this a high‑stakes, two‑team race.

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

However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round. 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. Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie. 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.

Track your path to 2026 World Cup glory with The Straits Times’ results simulator

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%). Ecuador (1.4%) are potentially tricky opponents who the top teams will want to avoid. They impressively finished second in South American qualifying and conceded just five goals in 18 matches. Jesse Marsch has a 42.7% chance of leading his team to the last 16, which would represent a magnificent performance. They are expected to challenge Switzerland for top spot in Group B. Erling Haaland struck 16 times in just eight games, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.

Semi-finals

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. 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. 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.

Netherlands vs. Brazil

Scorer Market – Lautaro Martinez to Score AnytimeLautaro Martinez has scored once in the tournament and registered five goals across Argentina’s last five matches in all competitions. With Messi drawing defensive attention and Julian Alvarez providing the running, Martinez is regularly afforded space inside the area and is one of the most reliable penalty-box finishers in this Argentina squad. He is worth including in any anytime scorer selections at the best available price. 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. Brazil and France sit at the top of most prediction models, and for good reason.

• His squad have a 22.1% hope of making the last four, at which stage few would want to face them.
• As Canada look sharp up front and determined to go all the way at the showpiece tournament, we predict a 2-0 away win.
• Yet there remains a nagging doubt over whether the France manager can truly maximise what he has at his disposal.
• 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.
• In terms of pressing, I have the feeling the Atlas Lions can really trouble the Dutch.
• The dramatic elimination sparked emotional reactions across Iran.
• Lionel Messi made history in the group stage, overtaking Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
• With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
• Bafana Bafana booked their place in the last 32 thanks to a shock 1-0 victory over South Korea, showing great discipline and defensive organizatio…
• Thankfully, we can turn to the Opta supercomputer to provide a comprehensive World Cup forecast that sets realistic expectations for supporters of all 48 nations.
• 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.

World Cup 2026 predictions: Winner, golden boot, breakout star and more

That is helpful to coach Luis de la Fuente given there are doubts over the fitness of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal for their initial games as he recovers from a hamstring injury. As the tournament draws ever closer, getting stuck into the Opta supercomputer’s projections is the perfect way to whet your appetite while brushing up on some stimulating statistics. Thankfully, we can turn to the Opta supercomputer to provide a comprehensive World Cup forecast that sets realistic expectations for supporters of all 48 nations. It is Argentina who go into the World Cup as defending champions after Lionel Messi helped to guide La Albiceleste to a famous triumph in Qatar towards the end of 2022.

Ronaldo to match Messi and help Portugal to first World Cup win

Saturday brings another big day at the FIFA World Cup, with six group-stage matches still to be played before the knockout rounds begin. An each way bet could be the way to go with African nations that you think have a chance, with Morocco starting with odds of 100/1 or better to win the World Cup before the tournament begins. 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. 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. Six places are up for grabs for CONMEBOL teams, and it is a single-league format that simply decides which top six teams advance to the FIFA World Cup Finals.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde

Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues add craft in midfield, and manager Aguas is expected to name a similar side to the one that earned three draws through the group phase. 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.

Explore chances for each team

Portugal went out to France at the next stage, as Ronaldo ended the tournament without a goal from 23 shots and 3.6 xG – the second-highest tally at the competition. But the likes of Enzo Fernández and Julián Alvarez have kicked on in the last two years, and any team which has Messi has a chance of going all the way – a creditable 8.7% chance, according to the supercomputer. Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998 and this will be Kylian Mbappé’s first World Cup as France skipper. If Spain are to triumph, it is likely Lamine Yamal will play a key role. Their Euro 2024 triumph came the day after Yamal’s 17th birthday, as he replaced Pelé (1958, 17 years, 249 days) as the youngest player to feature in a World Cup or European Championship final. At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.

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. I’m taking Czechia and Mexico to advance, with South Korea finishing as one of the best third‑place teams behind Son Heung-Min. Spain vs England – A repeat of the 2024 Euro final may produce the same heartbreaking outcome for the 1966 World Cup winners. France vs Morocco – Another semi-final appearance is likely to elude Morocco, with Les Bleus expected to prevail on sheer firepower. 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.

The recent form and questions on formation under Mauricio Pochettino for the U.S. raises concern, while Turkiye’s balance and presence of Hakan Calhanoglu give them the slight edge to win the group. Australia and Paraguay are organized enough to earn draws but remain long shots to advance ahead of the two favorites. 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.

World Cup: 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. Get RotoWire’s advanced reports and tools to confidently start your best team. 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.

There are not expected to be any surprises in the Germany XI for this match, with Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set to continue as the front three. Nathaniel Brown was not involved against Ecuador last time out due to a muscular problem, but the left-back is expected to be cleared to feature from the first whistle here. This is the sort of information to consider if you are thinking of betting on the World Cup, and we have included it in our World Cup betting guide. Paraguay are through as one of the best third-placed finishers at the competition, while Germany finished at the head of Group E to secure a spot in the round of 32.

Norway are the dark horse, and Lionel Messi heads the Golden Boot race after becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer. Ivory Coast and Norway face each other at AT&T Stadium in what promises to be one of the most entertaining World Cup last-32 clashes, with 2-2 our predicted outcome. Ivory Coast secured their place in the knockout stages with a convincing 2-0 victory over Curacao, where Nicolas Pepe stole the headlines with a brilliant brace. Argentina will look to move one step closer toward their fourth World Cup trophy when they face Cape Verde in the last 32 of the showpiece tournament. As Argentina look unstoppable at the moment, our prediction firmly points toward a 2-0 home win. La Albiceleste arrive in perfect form with a 100% group-stage record, winning all their group matches and conceding just 0.20 goa…

• Argentina head into this tie with a fully fit and settled squad.
• Cape Verde are not believed to have significant injury concerns heading into this fixture.
• 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.
• 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.
• They crashed out at the group stage at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
• Here are the nicknames for every team that will be playing in the World Cup this month.
• The draw is priced at 15/2, reflecting just how unlikely a stalemate is given the gap in class between these two sides.
• As Morocco have been producing excellent displays at the showpiece tournament, we predict a 1-0 away win.
• Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
• A point would be enough for Colombia to secure the top spot in Group K.
• South Africa and Egypt also reached the knockouts for the first time, while pre-tournament hopefuls Turkiye and Uruguay both went home early.
• Argentina are right behind them, on the opposite side of the bracket.
• Now, Green has broken down the 2026 World Cup draw from all sides and released his picks, predictions and futures bets.
• Teams with statistically underrated odds given their ELO momentum and recent tournament form.
• Gustavo Alfaro’s team will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw with Australia, while their one success this summer was a 1-0 victory over Turkey.

FIFA World Cup Winner Odds — Contenders & Predictions

However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour. 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.

Expected Goals (xG)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be discounted, while the three host nations will be desperate to make their mark. 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. 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.

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. It’s not a big surprise to see leading European nations join traditional World Cup heavyweights Argentina and Brazil as the top 10 teams tipped to challenge this summer. Ancelotti is armed with attacking talent, having opted to select record goalscorer Neymar in addition to stars like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.

Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina. Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off. The Netherlands have reached the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy (three), and they are the eighth and final team assigned more than a 5% chance of triumphing next year, at 5.2%. But by the time next year’s tournament rolls around, it will have been 12 years since Germany played a knockout game at a World Cup. Sixteen venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico will play host to the biggest-ever edition of the tournament, with the number of teams increasing from 32 and 48 and the tally of games upped from 64 to 104. The first 48–team field in World Cup history has been filed down to 32 for the knockout stages.

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.

• All three teams have a chance greater than 5% of winning the tournament, and of at least 10% to reach the final.
• Belgium should control this group, but the remaining positions are harder to predict.
• This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Spain and Austria go head-to-head in the World Cup last 32 with La Roja looking to move one step closer towards their second trophy at the showpiece tournament.
• 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.
• On top of that, online bookmakers may offer special promotions and an extensive range of markets for every game at the World Cup Finals.
• 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.
• This favours nations with squad depth and the ability to rotate.
• It’s not a big surprise to see leading European nations join traditional World Cup heavyweights Argentina and Brazil as the top 10 teams tipped to challenge this summer.

Morocco asked plenty of questions of Brazil during their first game and Japan can present a similar sort of technically proficient, front-footed challenge. But this is knockout soccer, and Carlo Ancelotti will find a way. Jesse Marsch’s co-hosts missed out on top spot in Group B after defeat to Switzerland and must decamp to L.A. But they should have too much for South Africa, even if their often erratic finishing threatens to leave the game in the balance. 48 teams compete at the 2026 World Cup — expanded from 32 at Qatar 2022.

What are the predictions for Colombia vs Portugal?

David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up. There are eight LaLiga winners from Barcelona – but, tellingly, none from Real Madrid. If you’re after a free-flowing side, stick to the Spains of this world. Led by Carlo Ancelotti, who gets over the line in knockout games by placing importance on defensive shape but allowing individual quality to shine through. The Opta supercomputer gives DR Congo the edge, with the Leopards winning 48.9 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations.

• Morocco, meanwhile, arrive in a confident mood after beating Scotland and are aiming for back-to-back World Cup wins over European opponents for the first time.
• Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast are all set to feature in the tournament and could find a way to cause major upsets and book a spot in the latter rounds.
• Five wins from five across all competitions, with ten goals scored and just one conceded in that run.
• 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.
• Meanwhile, the USMNT are +6000 longshots to win on home soil, with co-host Mexico also at +6000 and Canada longshots at +17500.
• Group-by-group odds, knockout stage forecasts, and tapados watch — all powered by FIFA rankings, ELO ratings, and past tournament performance.
• Both sides are still chasing a place in the knockout stage, with DR Congo also seeking their first-ever World Cup victory after drawing with Portugal and narrowly losing to Colombia.
• 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.
• Jordan’s Moussa Al Tamari is a player to watch and capable of driving a surprise run.
• At 1/6, there is no value in the match result outright, but Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals at the best available price represents the most sensible angle in a game that has all the hallmarks of a heavy home-side victory.
• Here’s how to watch all 104 World Cup matches for free, and here’s a channel guide for the group stage games.
• Six places are up for grabs for CONMEBOL teams, and it is a single-league format that simply decides which top six teams advance to the FIFA World Cup Finals.

Our World Cup 2026 predictions land on France beating Argentina 2-1 in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium, a rematch of 2022. France and Argentina are the most likely finalists, sitting on opposite halves of the bracket. Spain and Brazil are the strongest challengers, though Spain would have to get past Argentina in the semifinals to reach the final on July 19. France are the form pick after winning Group I with three wins from three, beating Senegal, Iraq and Norway. Argentina are the closest challenger and sit on the opposite half of the bracket, setting up a possible repeat of the 2022 final.

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.

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

We don’t want to overpromise, and we have a small team, so expect one update per day, but you will often see intraday updates after important matches. 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.

Messi extends his World Cup legacy while Ronaldo faces defining moment

Canada finished second behind Switzerland and chase a first men’s World Cup knockout win against South Africa in the opening tie. Six host nations have won the World Cup, most recently France in 1998. Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free. Create a free account only when you want to save your bracket or join the prediction league. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history. Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket.

Sparkles will be flying when USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina square off in the World Cup last 32 at Levi’s Stadium. As USA have been producing excellent performances in front of home fans, our prediction points toward a 2-1 home win. Here’s exactly how we compute championship odds, group probabilities, and knockout forecasts. The 2026 knockout format starts with Round of 32 — a new round created by the 48-team expansion. 8 third-placed teams join the 24 automatic qualifiers (1st + 2nd from each of 12 groups), making the R32 path unprecedented. FIFA Annex C determines R32 pairings based on which groups the third-placed teams come from.

Switzerland pipped Canada to win Group B. Colombia won Group fifa world cup groups 2026 K ahead of Portugal, the only group favorite not to finish top. Croatia recovered to take second in England’s group, pushing Ghana to a third-place spot. The group stage is finished and the Round of 32 began today with South Africa vs Canada in Los Angeles. Every result below is cross-checked against the final standings, so the picks reflect what actually happened on the pitch, not just pre-tournament models. Earn points, climb the leaderboard, and create private leagues with friends.

The Brazilians are priced at -300 to advance to the next round, with the Japanese at +235. Goals Market – Over 3 Goals @ 6/5The totals line sits at 3, with over available at 6/5 and under at 4/5. Argentina scored at least three goals in each of their three group games, and Cape Verde’s forward line managed only two goals across theirs. 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.