2026 World Cup Bracket Maker: Interactive 48-Team Simulator

The United States will begin play on June 12 and is a World Cup 2026 co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, but it’s European nations who top the latest soccer odds to win the tournament, per FanDuel Sportsbook. Spain enter as a major tournament favorite, led by superstar Lamine Yamal. However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games. The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia remain the wildcard, but I’m sticking with the two heavyweights to advance. Adjust scores, apply official tiebreaker rules, and see which teams qualify for the knockout phase in real time.

FIFA’s tennis-style rankings keeping these two apart until the final can really come to pass in a dream final. Argentina would dearly love to become the first country to retain the title since Italy way back in 1938, But this Spain are too young, too fast, too technical and too good. 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. Algeria are first up for Messi & Co, with tournament debutants Jordan also looking to make an impression.

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. 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. 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.

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They could end up facing a Poland side they were unable to beat during qualification if the Eastern European giants progress from a UEFA playoff path featuring Ukraine, Albania and Sweden. Japan beat Spain and Germany in the group stage last time around and have a recent friendly win over Brazil to their name. The United States will have no complaints over this draw and have the opportunity to make a statement by progressing as group winners.

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. There may be some doubt as to whether the Netherlands have enough quality in their squad to go the distance, but they certainly have enough experience and talent in their ranks to secure top spot in a potentially tricky group. Fortunately for Sweden, they were handed a second chance courtesy of their Nations League performance, and under the watch of Graham Potter, they made full use of that opportunity by claiming victories over Ukraine and Poland in the playoffs.

Free Printable Bracket

The first three are the official FIFA criteria for comparing third-place teams. The fourth, FIFA ranking, serves as the simulator’s deterministic tiebreaker in place of the fair-play and drawing-of-lots rules used at the real tournament, which cannot be modeled in a prediction tool. The 2026 format adds a layer that did not exist in the 32-team era. After the top two from each group qualify, the third-place finishers from all 12 groups are compared against one another, and the eight best advance to complete the 32-team knockout bracket. The conversation also referenced a fictional scene showing a Mexico vs Portugal football match, which some interpreted as a possible indication of a future World Cup final. 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.

I like Japan’s technical depth to edge Sweden for second, but they can still qualify to the next round as a top third-place team, with Tunisia finishing at the bottom. I’ll take Ivory Coast’s finishing to narrowly edge Ecuador for second, though I still expect Ecuador to advance as one of the best third‑place teams. 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.

This change significantly alters both the group stage and the knockout bracket. 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.

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. Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to lead Portugal to World Cup glory should begin with a relatively straightforward group-stage campaign, even though Colombia possess the quality to make life uncomfortable for the Iberians. Argentina’s quest to become just the third nation in World Cup history to successfully defend their title should face no real threat in Group J.

Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after a 12‑year absence, built around a core of prime‑age players. While their physicality and attacking threat stand out, their defense is arguably their greatest strength, led by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka. That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference. This contest may be decided in extra time or penalties, favoring Senegal. 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.

Tunisia star player: Ellyes Skhiri

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. This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perfect swansong for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo?

A third option fills only the matches that remain undecided, which preserves any picks already made. Each group match also displays a small probability indicator based on team strength, so the favorite in any fixture is visible before a pick is made. Pick winners group by group, or auto-simulate the full tournament using FIFA rankings.

As fixtures move closer, the hub can expand with live match links, confidence-rated picks, correct score probabilities, and post-match validation so the content becomes stronger instead of being replaced. Sweden (in 1958) and Czechia (in 1934 and 1962) have both been World Cup finalists previously (the latter as Czechoslovakia) but could still miss the tournament, as could former European champions Denmark. 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.

Build Your World Cup 2026 Bracket Predictor Step by Step

According to the official Olympics explainer, the tournament will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Short-form video platforms have further amplified the spread through edited versions that remove context and add captions implying predictive meaning. HITC reporting also notes the footage has repeatedly resurfaced during major tournaments, rebranded each time as a supposed prediction. All things considered, Spain are the rightful favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are worth locking in at +450 odds.

Arsenal fall one moment short of defensive perfection in UCL final

Our World Cup predictions are based on detailed analysis of team form, squad depth, tactical setups, and tournament dynamics unique to international football. 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. 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.

It awaits to be seen if Neymar will be fit, but if he is, that gives Brazil’s current odds some value. See who AI rates for the trophy, group winners, qualification paths and possible surprises before the tournament starts. It gives searchers one place for dates, teams to follow, prediction markets, and the analysis workflow ScorePoint AI will apply once match-level data is available. A complete Python pipeline for predicting match outcomes, generatingexpected goals, and running Monte Carlo tournament simulations.Built for YouTube creators who want AI-powered soccer analysis. When the tournament begins, it will have been 20 years since the Azzurri played a knockout match at the World Cup – with their most recent such game being the 2006 final.

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. 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. 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.

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.

The opening matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promise an exciting and competitive start, as teams aim to build early momentum in the group stage. 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. 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. France vs Spain – Only a handful of teams can stop Les Bleus from becoming the first team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals. Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.

World Cup 2026 Predictions: 8 Teams Most Likely to Be Eliminated in the Group Stage

Choose between blank fillable versions for office pools and predictions, or live versions updated with real results as the tournament progresses. Enter exact scorelines for any match and the built-in World Cup qualification calculator instantly recalculates group standings, points, goal difference, and qualification status. Test “what if” scenarios for any team to see exactly what they need to advance to the Round of 32. Click any team to mark them as winner, or type exact scorelines for full control over your predictions of World Cup matches.

World Cup futures, soccer best bets, FIFA predictions

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. The host nation could then make it two wins from two against the Socceroos on matchday two, while Turkey and Paraguay are likely to cancel each other out and share the spoils. Los Guaraníes’s deepest run at the World Cup came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, while the South American nation have also progressed beyond the group stage in four of their last five appearances.

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.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s football world championship, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
• Canada are deemed the least likely of the host nations to go all the way, winning the tournament in just 0.4% of our simulations, though they are only a year removed from a historic tournament run.
• It 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.
• It uses real FIFA rankings and a weighted probability system to produce realistic outcomes, but football results are unpredictable, and the simulator is designed to reflect that uncertainty.
• A World Cup prediction pool (also called a soccer pool, office pool or bracket pool) is a game where you and your friends predict the scores of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
• 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.
• However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games.
• Welcome to the most complete World Cup 2026 simulator and predictor on the web.
• A complete Python pipeline for predicting match outcomes, generatingexpected goals, and running Monte Carlo tournament simulations.Built for YouTube creators who want AI-powered soccer analysis.
• Predict scores, follow live results and compete on the leaderboard.

Knockouts

I like Bosnia to top the group, with Switzerland following and Canada advancing as a top third‑place finisher.

The Prediction Theory Is False

With an aging squad and lack of starpower, this is the highest Germany’s odds have been to win a World Cup in years. 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. Follow the 2026 tournament with AI football predictions, fixture context, correct score probabilities, BTTS, over/under goals, and market signals as the World Cup approaches.

Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off. Canada are deemed the least likely of the host nations to go all the way, winning the tournament in just 0.4% of our simulations, though they are only a year removed from a historic tournament run. 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. But they won that match by a statement 6-0 scoreline, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané among the goals. Julian Nagelsmann’s side were beaten in the quarter-finals on home soil at Euro 2024, marking the first time Germany have appeared at four major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) in a row without reaching a semi-final at any of them.

Brazil aim to finally get back on top

Pochettino has had no choice but to experiment – in November, Giovani Reyna’s return to the squad saw him become the 51st player to start a game for the USMNT in 2025. Pochettino’s side did reach the final of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, despite star names including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson missing the tournament. The USMNT appointed Pochettino after of a humiliating group-stage exit as Copa América hosts last year, and things did not immediately improve as the Argentine lost five of his first 10 matches at the helm. However, this year’s Nations League triumph offers significant hope that Roberto Martínez can get the balance right even while accommodating the 40-year-old, who is still full of confidence after scoring 84 goals in 86 Saudi Pro League games.

World Cup 2026 Last Man Standing Game (Excel)

Debutants Uzbekistan are seen as having a slightly better chance of impressing than the other new nations, as they have a 0.2% chance of going all the way. A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina.

European champions Spain face tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opener. Saudi Arabia will fancy causing another stir after unforgettably defeating Argentina in the 2022 group stage. Uruguay, playing under Marcelo Bielsa at a World Cup for the first time should have enough to qualify with Spain. Hopefully, there’s plenty riding on their match that closes the group.

Argentina enter as defending champion, but without Angel Di Maria, one of the anchors of their last run, they lack the same spark. 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.

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

After being right three times in a row, I have been inundated by requests over the last four years to forecast the Euros, the Olympics, the Rugby World Cup, etc. Every four years, I write a note that has many more readers than anything else I publish. It all started 12 years ago when I used an economic model to forecast the winner of the World Cup in Brazil.

Here, Sports Mole provides an in-depth preview of Group D at the 2026 World Cup, including predicted standings and each nation’s key player. The expanded format and increased number of matches have intensified global discussion around potential finalists, contributing to the reinterpretation of older fictional content as predictive material. The claim originates from a brief scene in The Simpsons Season 9 episode ‘The Cartridge Family,’ which features a fictional television advertisement showing a Mexico vs Portugal football match.

Spain finally won the World Cup in 2010 when they edged the Netherlands in extra time, and after winning Euro 2024 two years ago, Luis de la Fuente’s side will look to build heavily on that success. 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. Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign. 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%). 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%. 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.

I thought it would become an exercise in showing the hubris of economists who think they can forecast anything with a model, even if it is effectively a random outcome. Some of these nations can absolutely surprise people, but on paper, they are the ones most likely to fall short when the tournament begins in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 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.

• Automatic simulation fills every match using FIFA rankings and a weighted probability model, then crowns a champion.
• The model is intentionally calibrated to favor stronger teams without making outcomes certain.
• The clip has circulated widely across TikTok and other platforms, where some users present it as evidence of a predicted World Cup 2026 final.
• Congo DR and Uzbekistan are unlikely to factor heavily, making this a high‑stakes, two‑team race.
• All 104 games, kickoff times, host cities, and group standings tracker.
• From there, single-elimination knockouts run through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final, exactly as the real World Cup football predictions bracket will play out.
• This group appears straightforward, with Brazil and Morocco standing out as the strongest sides.
• I’m taking Senegal to secure the needed points, though Norway could still advance as a top third‑place team if they score multiple goals against Iraq.
• 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.
• Choose the spreadsheet that best fits your needs—or download all of them—to enhance your World Cup viewing experience.

Experience the New 48-Team Format

• Test “what if” scenarios for any team to see exactly what they need to advance to the Round of 32.
• The 2026 World Cup predictor follows the official FIFA tournament format.
• 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.
• If Uzbekistan were drawn into a softer section, they could have made a real case for progression.
• The first three are the official FIFA criteria for comparing third-place teams.
• 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.
• 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.
• That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph.
• The expanded structure introduced a new Round of 32 knockout stage, and the simulator reflects that format exactly, including the rule that sends the eight best third-place teams into the knockout bracket.
• I personally love this matchup, with two of Africa’s strongest sides potentially meeting in the knockout round.
• It is a look at the teams with the toughest path, the thinnest squad depth, and the most unforgiving group-stage draw.

A lack of recent match practice against top-class European opponents could count against the Albiceleste, who also saw Ángel Di María retire from international football after the Copa América. Argentina dominated the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, finishing nine points clear of second-placed Ecuador, and last year they also retained the Copa América for the first time since 1993. 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. Maradona in 1986 (30 shots, 19 open-play chances created, 53 fouls won). Southgate’s England teams were also solid at the back but rarely free-flowing. At Euro 2024, they recorded just 5.4 xG – Turkey, Austria and Switzerland were among the teams to better that tally.

• Iran and New Zealand lack the elite finishing required to truly threaten Belgium at the top.
• 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.
• The conversation also referenced a fictional scene showing a Mexico vs Portugal football match, which some interpreted as a possible indication of a future World Cup final.
• We offer a free premium printable World Cup 2026 bracket in both Letter and A4 formats.
• Saudi Arabia are the most winnable of the three matchups, but even that game could decide whether Cape Verde stay alive or go home early.
• 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.
• 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.
• While their physicality and attacking threat stand out, their defense is arguably their greatest strength, led by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka.

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. This is the kind of group where one slow performance can end your hopes quickly.

About FIFA: All you need to know about the FIFA Organisation

• Once every group result is set, the knockout bracket unlocks and runs as single-elimination through the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals before the final.
• Let’s break down the 2026 World Cup winner odds and give our World Cup best bets to make.
• Predict scores, follow live results and compete on the leaderboard.
• A World Cup prediction pool (also called a soccer pool, office pool or bracket pool) is a game where you and your friends predict the scores of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
• The fixtures section displays upcoming World Cup matches by matchweek, including kickoff times and scheduled pairings.
• At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory.
• A complete Python pipeline for predicting match outcomes, generatingexpected goals, and running Monte Carlo tournament simulations.Built for YouTube creators who want AI-powered soccer analysis.
• 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.
• 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.
• A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 cities, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium (New York), Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles).
• 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.

Check out the soccer odds below and then visit SportsLine to see Martin Green’s World Cup 2026 Host Cities best bets for the 2026 World Cup, all from the proven expert who has crushed his soccer picks, and find out. Now, Green has broken down the 2026 World Cup draw from all sides and released his picks, predictions and futures bets. You can head to SportsLine now to see Green’s 2026 World Cup picks. Use our predictor tool to select the winners of each group and each knockout round at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Jordan have earned respect by becoming one of Asia’s most improved teams, and they will not go to North America just to make up the numbers.

Norway will be the team nobody wishes to draw from Pot 3, having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with a perfect eight wins and 37 goals – the most of any team. There will likely be an experienced feel to their squad, led by Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who is only eight away from Javier Hernández’s all-time Mexico goal record of 52. Mexico, the team that defeated the USA in the Gold Cup final, are the host nation viewed as most likely to shock the world and lift the trophy, with a 1.3% probability. One recurring issue in recent years has been their lack of a true centre-forward. But Memphis Depay remains a talisman for his nation, becoming their all-time leading scorer when he netted his 51st international goal in September.

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. Germany have at least scraped into Pot 1 for the group-stage draw, taking the 12th and final spot among the top seeds, ahead of Croatia, and despite question marks it would be rash not to consider them as contenders at this stage. But the likes of Enzo Fernández and Julián Alvarez have kicked on in the last two years, and any team which has Messi has a chance of going all the way – a creditable 8.7% chance, according to the supercomputer.

Can reigning champs Argentina and Messi go back-to-back?

All 104 games, kickoff times, host cities, and group standings tracker. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s football world championship, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It is the first World Cup with 48 teams and the first co-hosted by three nations. Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex. We have analyzed 64 matches across 8 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%.

Recent World Cup results provide insight into current form and momentum across the league. This template is designed specifically for tracking goal scorers and top scorers throughout the tournament. 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.

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. At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory. 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.

Women’s Soccer

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. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams. That also means there are more nations than ever to make soccer picks and World Cup futures bets on, ahead of the opening match taking place on Thursday, June 11.

The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams (32 in total) advance to the knockout Round of 32. Join 100+ managers already registered in the $BRACKETS League App-the premier high-performance fantasy sports playground. Anyone who opens the link sees your World Cup 2026 predictor picks exactly as you made them. The World Cup simulator is completely free to use, with no signup required and no limits on how many times you can simulate the tournament. The FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 11, with 48 nations battling it out for the most coveted trophy in global soccer. Pochettino’s squad boasts quality throughout, with the likes of Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, Juventus’ Weston McKennie and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams all expected to play prominent roles, but Christian Pulisic remains the standout figure.