The placement of each team will affect whom they face in the knockout round. Want to simulate the full tournament after finishing your group predictions? Use theFull Tournament Simulator to generate a complete bracket from groups to the final.

With limited preparation time, neutral venues, and varying styles of play, World Cup matches require a different analytical approach compared to domestic and club competitions. The FIFA World Cup brings together national teams from across the globe, competing through qualification, group stages, and knockout rounds to determine the world champion. The tournament is played every four years and is known for its high intensity, global attention, and decisive matches where form, tactics, and squad depth play a crucial role. In this 2026 World Cup bracket prediction, we break down every stage of the competition, from the group winners and best third-place qualifiers to the full knockout path through the Round of 32, Round of 16, semi-finals and final. 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. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and a brand-new Round of 32 format.

• On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
• As reported by HITC, the episode contains no reference to the FIFA World Cup, 2026, or any official international competition.
• Japan, meanwhile, have not displayed the same level of dominance even within their confederation.
• Two of the most talented squads, if not the top two, meet in the tournament semi-final.
• Expectations are sky-high in Mauricio Pochettino’s corner, yet the United States’ recent World Cup performances cannot inspire confidence, even though they’ve reached the knockouts in three of the last four tournaments.
• So, let’s say no team that finishes third in their group is going to dust themselves down and win the whole thing.
• Smart Predict ranks each group by current FIFA World Ranking — the official ranking available for every qualified team.
• I’m taking a risk on Jordan to claim a knockout place and Algeria edging out Austria in an upset as one of the top third-place teams to advance to the Round of 32.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams in 12 groups of four.
• The only one other team assigned more than a one-in-10 chance of becoming world champions is England, who are out to end 60 years of hurt at major tournaments.

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. 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. Argentina, though, will face fierce competition, not least from 2022 runners-up France and reigning European champions Spain.

Automatic simulation fills every match using FIFA rankings and a weighted probability model, then crowns a champion. Yes — you can shape your prediction of the tournament before it kicks off on June 11, 2026. Rank each of the 12 groups (including third-place candidates), pick your champion from any team, save locally, and share a link with friends.

World Cup Group B Preview: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar & Switzerland

This is almost certainly the last hurrah for both men on the biggest international stage. Egypt progressing through CAF qualification undefeated as Belgium manage a period of transition away from their golden generation feel like relevant factors. There’s a fairytale start to Group E, when four-time winners Germany take on tournament debutants and the smallest nation in World Cup history, Curacao. The other opener between Ecuador and Ivory Coast feels like a game where a win will be richly rewarded.

Once a bracket is complete, a single share action copies a link containing every pick, so any prediction can be compared with others or revisited later. Beyond predictions, this tool works as a full World Cup 2026 calculator. Group standings update automatically with proper FIFA tiebreakers (points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head). Type any scoreline and the calculator instantly shows who advances, who finishes third, and how the best-third-placed teams rank across all 12 groups. This season, 48% of World Cup 2026 matches ended with over 2.5 goals, while Both Teams to Score hit in 51% of games. All completed World Cup 2026 predictions remain fully visible — review our track record anytime.

To help soccer fans plan ahead, I created this interactive 2026 FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictor. You can rank every team in all 12 groups, select the eight best third-place finishers, build your complete knockout bracket, and see where each team could play throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Canada meets Bosnia & Herzegovina in an intriguing clash. Canada will look to use their energy and attacking style, while Bosnia & Herzegovina will rely on experience and tactical structure. With all teams eager to begin strongly, these opening games could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket. Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final. Download our official World Cup 2026 wall chart with all 104 matches, kickoff times, host city locations, and the complete tournament schedule on a single printable poster. We offer a free premium printable World Cup 2026 bracket in both Letter and A4 formats. Choose between blank fillable versions for office pools and predictions, or live versions updated with real results as the tournament progresses.

USA star player: Christian Pulisic

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.

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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.

You can still rank groups first for a fuller saved prediction. Dive deeper into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule tournament with our guides, analysis, and complete team profiles. 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.

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.

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Click any team to mark them as winner, or type exact scorelines for full control over your predictions of World Cup matches. Pick winners group-by-group or auto-simulate every match from group stage to the final. The USMNT has struggled mightily in recent years, but with home advantage and the leadership of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, there is every chance we see USA go on a run this tournament. Facing Paraguay, Turkey and Australia, it is very possible for the USMNT to make it through 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.

Final 48-Team Field Confirmed

Click through every round from the Round of 32 to the Final, set who advances from all 12 groups, then print your bracket or share it with friends. In the simulator’s model, the highest-ranked nations such as France, Spain, and Argentina win most often, since match probabilities are weighted by FIFA rankings. Lower-ranked teams still advance regularly, so no outcome is guaranteed. The twelve third-place teams are compared by points, then goal difference, then goals scored, and finally FIFA ranking. The eight highest-ranked thirds advance to the Round of 32, and the bottom four are eliminated. Manual selection chooses a winner or a draw for each match, with standings updating instantly using the official tiebreakers.

The Ultimate World Cup 2026 Simulator:

This knockout matchup is a close one, but Morocco hold the edge. Their continued success on the international stage has carried momentum into this tournament, supported by a young and exciting group of players. Japan, meanwhile, have not displayed the same level of dominance even within their confederation.

Match-level coverage can expand as fixture and prediction data becomes available. 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%).

FIFA World Cup daily schedule: Every match date, kickoff time and venue for all 48 teams

But with so many contenders in the running, who will ultimately lift the trophy? Spread across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the tournament will captivate audiences for the next six weeks, showcasing some of the sport’s greatest talents, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Erling Haaland. The FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 11, with 48 nations battling it out for the most coveted trophy in global soccer. Paraguay’s squad features several familiar names, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Diego Gómez, Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso and Sunderland defender Omar Alderete, but Miguel Almiron stands out as their key figure. The United States have also progressed to the knockout rounds in each of their last three appearances, although their journey ended in the round of 16 on every occasion, most recently following a defeat to the Netherlands in Qatar. The interpretation also included claims of symbolic 'hints,’ such as alleged colour similarities between the official World Cup ball and Portugal’s national colours, alongside broader theories involving visual cues and predictive artwork.

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.

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The usual suspects are likely to be in the conversation at the business end of the tournament. Lionel Messi will want to make more history as holders Argentina eye consecutive World Cups to sit alongside back-to-back Copas America. The general consensus is the Netherlands will come out on top in Group F, which, in theory, means there will be a three-way fight for the second automatic qualification spot. The experienced midfielder will act as the glue between defence and attack, tasked with protecting the backline and keeping moves ticking over when his team is in possession.

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. If the Netherlands fail to top their group, Brazil will face the sort of daunting European showdown that has been their Achilles heel in recent tournaments. Croatia, Belgium and the Dutch themselves have all got rid of the Selecao before the business end of the competition recently and history could repeat. Each of Spain and Argentina could find themselves pushed to the limit by Austria and Uruguay. Predicting the first 48-team World Cup six months out is a fool’s errand.

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The United States will have no complaints over this draw and have the opportunity to make a statement by progressing as group winners. 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. They remain phenomenally strong, although there are plenty of questions surrounding five-time winners Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti.

Mexico vs. Switzerland

• Hopefully, there’s plenty riding on their match that closes the group.
• Top-ranked nations such as France, Spain, and Argentina win the simulated tournament most often, but lower-ranked teams still break through often enough to produce a different story on each run.
• But the jump from breakthrough side to World Cup knockout contender is huge.
• With 48 teams taking part, there also will be some new names gracing the tournament.
• Interest in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has added renewed attention on the clip.
• Despite an underwhelming qualifying campaign, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges remain hot favourites to advance as group winners, with the Atlas Lions expected to settle for a runner-up finish.
• 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.
• The FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 11, with 48 nations battling it out for the most coveted trophy in global soccer.
• Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have had moments at the club level, but that’s never been extended to the national team.
• The United States have also progressed to the knockout rounds in each of their last three appearances, although their journey ended in the round of 16 on every occasion, most recently following a defeat to the Netherlands in Qatar.

Group D centers on the battle between Turkiye and the United States. 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.

Qatar have experience, structure, and a homegrown football identity, but they do not have much margin for error against teams that are used to controlling matches in different ways. If there is one established nation that could still be pushed out despite having World Cup experience, Qatar feels like the right call. It is a look at the teams with the toughest path, the thinnest squad depth, and the most unforgiving group-stage draw. 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.

Spain: 17.0%

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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.

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.

Eleven of the tournament’s venues are in the USA, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are assigned a 0.9% chance of going all the way. They will be placed in Group D, with two of their first-round games taking place in Los Angeles and the other in Seattle. One recurring issue in recent years has been their lack of a true centre-forward.

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.

I’m taking Czechia and Mexico to advance, with South Korea finishing as one of the best third‑place teams behind Son Heung-Min. Building a perfect bracket may be unrealistic, but identifying where chaos is most likely, and where elite teams will hold firm, is the key to getting ahead. Below, you’ll find a full round-by-round projection, blending safe picks with calculated risks to map out how the 2026 World Cup could unfold. Use Print / Save PDF for a printable copy, or Copy share link to create a URL that saves all of your picks so you can share your predictions.

• Who they are and where in the draw they might land is basically impossible to forecast with any certainty.
• Spain showed their maturity and looked the real deal on their way to winning Euro 2024 two years ago.
• The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States (11 venues), Mexico (3 venues), and Canada (2 venues) across 16 stadiums.
• The Bosnian legend didn’t miss a minute in the playoffs against Wales and Italy despite injuring his shoulder.
• 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.
• The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator is an interactive tool that models the entire tournament, from the group stage through the final at MetLife Stadium.
• Pochettino has had no choice but to experiment – in November, Giovani Reyna’s return to the squad saw him become the 51st player to start a game for the USMNT in 2025.
• This is an independent fan experience and is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or any official tournament organizer.
• 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.
• If Spain are to triumph, it is likely Lamine Yamal will play a key role.

Predictions are updated ahead of every round to provide clear insights for football fans following the tournament. Our goal is to deliver accurate match previews and analysis tailored specifically to World Cup competition. The fixtures section displays upcoming World Cup matches by matchweek, including kickoff times and scheduled pairings. USA, Mexico, and Canada are the host nations, while Argentina enters as the defending champion. A total of 104 matches will be played, more than ever in history.

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.

Spain showed their maturity and looked the real deal on their way to winning Euro 2024 two years ago. Lamine Yamal already looked a superstar then at 16 years old, and even though he’s just 18 now, it’s hard to see anyone stopping him. While France could run them close, all signs point to Spain winning their second ever World Cup and following their 2010 success. Apply the same AI prediction model to the tournament hub for World Cup fixtures, correct scores, BTTS, and totals. 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.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Simulator FAQ

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.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator is an interactive tool that models the entire tournament, from the group stage through the final at MetLife Stadium. It covers all 48 teams, 12 groups, and 104 matches of the first 48-nation World Cup, allowing match winners to be selected by hand or generated automatically from FIFA rankings. The result is a complete, shareable bracket that follows the official tournament format. The 2026 World Cup predictor follows the official FIFA tournament format.

World Cup predictions 2026: Expert picks for group stage, knockout rounds after draw for FIFA tournament

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.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 24 years since Brazil even appeared in a World Cup Final, much less win it. Le Selecao don’t have a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho in their lineup anymore, but they do have a very solid squad. Champions League finalist Marquinhos and Gabriel combine for a dream center-back pairing, while Raphinha and Vinicius Jr up top gives them an attacking edge. It awaits to be seen if Neymar will be fit, but if he is, that gives Brazil’s current odds some value. These national teams usually drive the biggest World Cup prediction searches and will be priorities for deeper pages once fixture data is live.

Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the best stories of the tournament, as they are the only African newcomers and the third-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup. That makes them a team everyone will want to cheer for, but the draw has not been kind. That combination makes Panama a strong candidate for group-stage elimination. 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.

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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.

• Switzerland’s experience and defensive structure should see them through comfortably, as well.
• Southgate’s England teams were also solid at the back but rarely free-flowing.
• Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the best stories of the tournament, as they are the only African newcomers and the third-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup.
• 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.
• Egypt progressing through CAF qualification undefeated as Belgium manage a period of transition away from their golden generation feel like relevant factors.
• With an attack boasting wonderkid Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, it will be a tall order for any nation to outscore La Roja.
• If I had to pick one of the debuting African teams most likely to be eliminated, Cape Verde would still be close to the top of the list simply because of the size of the challenge in front of them.
• 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.
• Here, Sports Mole provides an in-depth preview for Group F of the 2026 World Cup, including predicted standings and every nation’s key player.
• Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession.
• Prediction pools are popular across the US, UK, Canada and Australia for major tournaments.

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. At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory. Two of the biggest superstar forwards in the game clash when Kylian Mbappe’s France take on Erling Haaland’s Norway in Group I. Norway beat Italy twice to get here and have a fine generation of talent. Senegal are live contenders in the group too and will be eyeing a repeat of their seismic win over Les Bleus at the 2002 World Cup. 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.

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.

Sport’s greatest tournament returns with an all-new expanded format as 48 nations battle it out to win the World Cup. With 104 matches taking us from the Group Stage right through to the World Cup Final, we’re in for one heck of a month of soccer drama. Reigning champions Argentina arrive with superstar Lionel Messi likely playing in his last ever World Cup, while the same could also be said for Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo. France are looking to reclaim glory, while England are out to end 60 years of hurt. 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.

Three-time runners-up Netherlands headline Group F, which has all the makings of being one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. Recent World Cup results provide insight into current form and momentum across the league. Choose the spreadsheet that best fits your needs—or download all of them—to enhance your World Cup viewing experience. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

England: 11.8%

• Choose the spreadsheet that best fits your needs—or download all of them—to enhance your World Cup viewing experience.
• Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.
• This final comes down to France’s athleticism, depth and physical dominance against Portugal’s control of possession and tempo.
• Cristiano Ronaldo enters what will surely be his final World Cup free to play after his ban for a red card against the Republic of Ireland was quashed.
• The probability that a team wins a given match scales with the gap in strength between the two sides.
• Much will depend on the form and fitness of key men but, all things being equal, Spain have the edge on France right now.
• This group appears straightforward, with Brazil and Morocco standing out as the strongest sides.
• Lewandowski scored his tally in 10 games, two more than Haaland.
• However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour.
• Le Selecao don’t have a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho in their lineup anymore, but they do have a very solid squad.

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. Colombia remain a threat thanks to Luis Diaz playing some of the best football of his career. Congo DR and Uzbekistan are unlikely to factor heavily, making this a high‑stakes, two‑team race. France appear primed for another title push, led by the world’s top goal scorer Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing. 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). And there has been no downturn from De la Fuente’s side since. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be discounted, while the three host nations will be desperate to make their mark.

The knockout stage starts with a round of 32, meaning every prediction counts from day one. 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. Mexico failed to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup, having previously seen a Round of 16 exit every tournament from 1994 to 2018.

World Cup Group F Preview: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden

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. This change significantly alters both the group stage and the knockout bracket. 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 tool does not blend multiple data sources or weight scores; FIFA Ranking is the single signal. Your bracket saves locally in your browser; you can come back later or share via a link. The notes on the page explain how Annex C governs the knockout pairings. What-if exploration — try different group rankings and champion picks. Earn points, climb the leaderboard, and create private leagues with friends. All 104 games, kickoff times, host cities, and group standings tracker.

Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie. 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. While they may fall short of their top-spot aspirations, Los Cafeteros should have enough experience and firepower to leave DR Congo and Uzbekistan behind. 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.

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. Tunisia are set to make their third consecutive finals appearance after cruising through their qualifying group, recording nine wins and one draw without conceding a single goal. Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament opener, with the hosts looking to take advantage of home support and start with a confident performance. South Africa, however, will be motivated to challenge and avoid an early setback. South Korea takes on Czech Republic in a well-balanced matchup, where discipline, organization, and taking chances could be key factors.