2026 FIFA World Cup Full group & knockout stages breakdown

The World Cup draw took place on Dec. 5 and the 48 teams were slotted into 12 groups of four. The teams were given a final roster deadline of June 1, so we already know who will be representing each country (click on the teams below to see each roster). The field has been supersized from 32 to 48 teams and the competition will begin in earnest on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa at Mexico City’s famed Estadio Azteca. The first U.S. game is the following day, as the Americans will host Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 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. As for Paraguay, Diego Gomez will miss the match through suspension, having picked up a second yellow card of the tournament against Australia last time out.

Germany’s recent World Cup campaigns have fallen short since their 2014 triumph. While they showed promise at UEFA EURO 2024, France enter with superior depth and balance. Having reached the latter stages repeatedly, this feels like an opportunity France cannot let slip, and their overall quality should see them through. Brazil have struggled to define a clear identity in recent tournaments, raising doubts about their ability to make a legitimate World Cup run.

• England’s golden generation finally has tournament experience after consecutive deep runs.
• Furthermore, it can simply lead to a drop in motivation levels, especially if they face a team needing to win to earn a place in the World Cup Finals.
• France and Argentina won their groups as forecast, Brazil and Germany topped theirs, and dark horses Norway, Morocco and Colombia all advanced.
• Brazil and France sit at the top of most prediction models, and for good reason.
• However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances.
• Here’s the breakdown on all of them, including what you need to know about each team.
• With 48 teams taking part, there also will be some new names gracing the tournament.
• Luis de la Fuente and his squad of stars will want to change that and with Cape Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to come in Group H this summer, reaching the knockouts is unlikely to be a problem.
• Few nations in football history have possessed such an embarrassment of attacking riches.

Pick Your World Cup 2026 Winner

Make sure you stick to your research and utilise World Cup predictions when placing bets on the biggest tournament in world football. 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. On top of those nations, Brazil, Germany, and many other countries can also have a big part to play in the 2026 World Cup too in what is expected to be an enthralling tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams and they are split into 12 different groups, with winners, runners up, and even some third placed teams qualifying into the knockout rounds of the Finals.

Who will be the breakout star of the tournament?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 nations and the first hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format introduces 12 groups and a Round of 32 knockout stage, making it the biggest World Cup in history with 104 total matches played across 16 iconic venues. Looking ahead, many World Cup 2026 predictions point toward a final involving two European or South American giants. France and Brazil are often mentioned as likely finalists due to their squad depth and consistency in recent matches. Argentina remains a serious contender, especially if key players stay fit. England could also reach the final if their young squad maintains its current trajectory.

Reliable World Cup 2026 predictions depend on careful analysis of each team, its players, and its performance over time. While favorites are already taking shape, the true outcome will only be decided on the pitch. At this stage, a reasonable projection places France as a potential winner. Their ability to adapt during a match and their strength across all lines make them one of the safest picks in 2026 FIFA World Cup favorites predictions.

Japan and Sweden are well organized but lack the elite experience needed to challenge the Dutch. I like Japan’s technical depth to edge Sweden for second, but they can still qualify to the next round as a top third-place team, with Tunisia finishing at the bottom. I like Bosnia to top the group, with Switzerland following and Canada advancing as a top third‑place finisher. Teams can survive the group stage without being dominant, adding a new level of strategy and scoreboard-watching. Each 4-team group sends 2 teams automatically plus 8 of the 12 third-placed teams to R32.

Then again, Harry Kane scored freely across Bundesliga and Champions League this season, at times playing in a deeper role than usual. This group appears straightforward, with Brazil and Morocco standing out as the strongest sides. Brazil has elite talent, though their depth remains a concern following long-term injuries to Estevao and Rodrygo months before the tournament starts. I’m giving Morocco the edge to win the group due to their cohesion and leadership from Achraf Hakimi, as well as difference‑makers like Ez Abde.

• 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.
• Spain’s young core, led by Lamine Yamal and Pedri, looked devastating en route to Euro 2024.
• Mexico are seeded comfortably and will play key matches at altitude in Mexico City, a significant advantage.
• Estadio Azteca is the most well-known in Mexico, but sites in Monterrey and Guadalajara will also be used.
• The remaining 23.0 percent of simulations ended level after 90 minutes, meaning the tie would be decided in extra time or a penalty shootout.
• 16 teams qualify in total from the UEFA qualifiers, with 54 teams split into 12 groups.
• This edition already attracts attention not only because of its scale but also due to the growing competition among top teams.
• Colombia were victorious in 23.9 percent of simulations, while the draw was given a 25.2 percent probability.
• Pink boots have also become one of the biggest trends at the tournament.
• France can power clear as Argentina’s exertions against Portugal and Brazil catch up with them, and Messi runs out of fairy-tales.

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. Les Éléphants have reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group E behind Germany on goal difference. Emerse Faé’s side has impressed with its energy, athleticism and attacking balance, and now has the chance to script another memorable chapter. Meanwhile, European soccer insider Martin Green has also revealed picks for Ivory Coast vs. Norway and Sweden vs. France.

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Teams: Qualified List & Printable Tracker

With the World Soccer Ticket, fans get access to top leagues, live TV, and streaming — all in one place — so you never miss the action. There are no major injury concerns for either side, with both managers expected to field their strongest available lineups. Both nations are chasing a place in the last 16, but only one will keep their World Cup dream alive. Some links to betting partners or promotional offers on MyFootballFacts may result in a commission to help support our site. These include betting offers, free bets, and casino promotions as well as other affiliate commissions —all subject to change and individual terms and conditions. The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to a close and it’s full steam ahead into the round of 32.

Since Spain’s victory in South Africa, La Roja have not made it past the round of 16, exiting at that stage in the last two editions. The likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha will be looking forward to leaving a mark on a World Cup in a way they haven’t before. Neymar is no longer the first name on the team sheet but whatever squad the now 34-year-old is part of will still be lifted by his presence. The trend continues a shift away from the traditional black-and-white football boot, following the colourful designs that first gained popularity at the 1998 World Cup. The comments came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the US following recent military attacks and a fragile ceasefire.

What Chance Do the Co-Hosts Have?

A battle for second place ought to be far more exciting, with Iran likely to put Egypt’s credentials to the test after a decent group-stage campaign in Qatar. Cape Verde (0.1%) have qualified and are the second-smallest nation by population (after Iceland in 2018) to achieve the feat. They fared slightly better with our model than the other first-timers Curaçao and Jordan (both 0.04%). If previous World Cups are anything to go by, shocks and surprises should be a given, so all those teams will still be dreaming of a deep run.

Sunday, June 14

La Roja have a greater than one-in-three chance (39.0%) of reaching the semis and made the final 25.6% of the time. Nine sides emerged from the AFC’s Asian qualification, while New Zealand are the sole representatives for the OFC region and the lowest-ranked team to reach the finals. For the first time, 48 nations will compete to lift the World Cup trophy in an expanded tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada across 16 stadiums.

Spain vs. Austria

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. They are in an evenly matched pool, and while seen as the least likely team to win Group D, they still have a decent 17.9% hope of topping the table. The Socceroos are more likely than not to progress to the knockouts (59.2%) and have a 26.3% chance of reaching the last 16 to match their best-ever performance. 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.

• “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.
• Argentina vs United States – The US crashed out at this juncture in the last tournament staged on their soil, and history looks set to repeat itself against the reigning champions.
• Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described the team’s misfortune as extraordinary after Iran became the first side at the tournament to have three goals ruled out by VAR.
• They’ve consistently found ways to advance deep into tournaments, and that experience matters.
• Germany were impressive in their opening two matches of the 2026 World Cup against Curacao and Ivory Coast, scoring nine times in two successes, and those six points saw them secure a spot in the round of 32 with a game to spare.
• 1960Tips.com has been the trusted destination for free football predictions, expert VIP picks, and sports betting analysis since 2017.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a new chapter in international football.
• At this stage, a reasonable projection places France as a potential winner.
• There are eight LaLiga winners from Barcelona – but, tellingly, none from Real Madrid.

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. Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again.

• The 2026 World Cup is the first men’s World Cup in the United States since the 1994 tournament, and it’ll be unlike any World Cup ever played.
• France have reached the final in four of the last seven editions – twice as often as any other nation during that period – and it would be a surprise if they were not there or thereabouts once again.
• Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina.
• Many members of the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ remain in the fold, even if the years are starting to catch up with them.
• However, there’s a good reason why Switzerland are odds-on to walk away with a top-table finish, having progressed from the group stages in four of their five World Cup appearances this century.
• I expect a tight match, possibly decided in extra time or penalties, with France finding a way through to a third straight final.
• Germany are four-time world champions, but they were knocked out in the group stage of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
• Our site ensures you have the latest predictions for the World Cup 2026, including qualifiers, and encourages you to make smarter betting decisions with analytical research going into each and every projection we provide.
• Morocco (1.1%) and Ecuador (1.0%) are the other teams with a greater than 1% chance of glory, with Japan (0.9%) and USA just behind.
• Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again.
• European teams face off in group stages to earn qualification from the World Cup, in what is considered to be the most competitive qualification process of them all.
• 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.
• The model adjusts its odds after each game, playing out the rest of the tournament 100,000 times while giving teams credit (or blame) for their performance so far.
• The last time that happened, between Argentina and West Germany in 1990, the European nation gained its revenge.

LeBron landing spots: Four teams that make sense for 41-year-old star

With 48 teams in 12 groups of 4, and a new Round of 32 stage, the path to the final is longer than ever. Eight knockout rounds for the eventual winners, compared to seven previously. Don’t be surprised if at least one traditional power exits before the quarter-finals. “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. 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.

France’s win in 2018.

Then, after the group stage concludes and 32 of the tournament’s 48 teams move on to the knockout rounds, users can then pick the results of each of the 31 elimination games. Two of the all-time greats are poised to be the first men to play in six World Cups. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2022 tournament, tallying seven goals and three assists.

World Cup Day 14 What to Watch: Canada, South Korea looking to advance; Brazil, Scotland meet with Group C at stake

Check out the FIFA World Cup predictions with SoccerVista through this page and choose your next bet for the biggest international tournament in the sport. With so much on the line in each and every game with players playing for pride and their nation, it means there are various different betting angles to target. On top of that, online bookmakers may offer special promotions and an extensive range of markets for every game at the World Cup Finals. Paraguay’s best-ever showing at a World Cup came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, but the national side missed out on qualification in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Germany were impressive in their opening two matches of the 2026 World Cup against Curacao and Ivory Coast, scoring nine times in two successes, and those six points saw them secure a spot in the round of 32 with a game to spare.

Semi-finals

Cape Verde’s three World Cup draws are a creditable return against Spain and Uruguay in particular, and their disciplined defensive structure has been central to that. Their friendly results tell a more mixed story, with a heavy defeat to Bermuda sandwiched around a comfortable win over Serbia. The group-stage achievements are genuine, but their attacking output of two goals in three competitive matches underlines the challenge ahead.

World Cup team nicknames

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. 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.

Review Recent Team Form and Key Matches

• Here are Paul Carr’s power rankings of all 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, separated into five distinct tiers.
• This page is refreshed after each knockout round, so the picks always reflect the latest results.
• All eyes, though, will be on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who joins Ronaldo and Messi as one of the most searched players in the world.
• For example, if Netherlands finish second in Group F – not inconceivable as they face decent opposition in Japan, Sweden and Tunisia – they would then have to play the winners of Group C – most likely Brazil – in the round of 32.
• If a team wants to win the World Cup this summer, they will likely have to overcome a formidable obstacle in Spain.
• Netherlands have reached the most World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy (three), while Norway are flying having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with 37 goals – the most of any team.
• Brazil have rebuilt impressively since their disappointing 2022 quarter-final exit, with a generation of attacking talent led by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and the teenage prodigy Endrick.
• Fresh match predictions, betting tips, and analysis updated every day throughout the tournament.
• 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.
• Next year, it will have been 24 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup.
• Norway, Morocco, Colombia and Japan are the dark horses, and all four reached the Round of 32.
• 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.

The Three Lions’ Round of 32 match is 5pm on Wednesday before Belgium vs. Senegal, with the winner of that one setting up a meeting with USA should the Stars and Stripes beat Bosnia. 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. Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter.

With nations playing so infrequently, head-to-head results can have a much larger impact than it does for club teams. It can be important to look at historical matchups like England vs Germany for example, and where the results over the years may indicate which team might win the upcoming game. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any intriguing games in the group stage. Here are 10 pivotal matchups you’ll see in group play before 32 teams move on to the knockout rounds.

These teams last met in Oct. 2025 in which Japan won for the first time in 14 matches versus the Brazilians. 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. 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.

South Africa (0.1%) are the joint 37th likeliest winners of the World Cup but still have a healthy 49.3% chance of making the knockouts, helped by being in a group where co-hosts Mexico are the top seeds. 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.

• I like Bosnia to top the group, with Switzerland following and Canada advancing as a top third‑place finisher.
• This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only.
• Throw in guys like William Saliba and Michael Olise, among others, and it’s hard not to like this group.
• That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference.
• However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any intriguing games in the group stage.
• Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.
• The expanded 48-team format added this extra knockout round for the first time, sending 32 of the 48 teams into single-elimination ties before the Round of 16.
• 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.
• Egypt, Mohamed Salah and all, should have more than enough to do the job here.

But they should have too much for South Africa, even if their often erratic finishing threatens to leave the game in the balance. The disappointing campaign prompted President Lee to order a full review of the national team programme, describing the result as “deeply bewildering” and questioning both the team’s structure and Hong’s appointment. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned following his side’s group-stage elimination from the World Cup, after coming under heavy criticism from President Lee Jae-myung. 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. The Opta supercomputer makes Brazil the favourites to reach the next round.

They are given a 47.8% chance of topping Group A, which also contains South Korea and Czechia. Netherlands (3.6%) and Norway (3.5%) rank highest in terms of possible World Cup winners. 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. Ancelotti is armed with attacking talent, having opted to select record goalscorer Neymar in addition to stars like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.

Similarly, during the tournament you may need to keep up with suspensions, with players potentially missing matches due to an accumulation of yellow cards or a red card. Compare World Cup betting odds now with our recommended betting sites and find the latest prices for teams to win the tournament. And while the U.S. doesn’t have a star the caliber of those players, Christian Pulisic stands out as a player to watch on the team. He delivered a gutsy performance in shaking off an injury to help the Americans reach the knockout round at the 2022 World Cup, becoming a household name. Then, in the final round of group play, there will be six games each day, with the teams in each group kicking off at the same time. Below is a daily World Cup game schedule so you can plan accordingly.

In terms of winning the tournament, USA’s chances are more remote but still respectable at 1.2%. That puts them close to Switzerland, two-time winners Uruguay and Ecuador in our overall projections. Erling Haaland struck 16 times in just eight games, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.

Tournament Statistics

But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing. After watching his team fall agonisingly short on penalties against Argentina in Qatar, he has another chance to become only the second coach to win multiple World Cups (after Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938). Deschamps’ reign has comprised 175 games, so if they reach the first knockout round, he will have overseen 100 games more than France’s next-longest serving boss (Raymond Domenech, 79). Yamal created the most chances at the tournament, with 19, while only teammate Nico Williams (2.1) had more expected assists (xA) than his 2.0. 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. Six of the teams appearing at the tournament are still to be decided, with four qualifying via the UEFA play-offs and another two via the inter-confederation playoffs.

However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour. 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. 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. However, there’s a good reason why Switzerland are odds-on to walk away with a top-table finish, having progressed from the group stages in four of their five World Cup appearances this century.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a new chapter in international football. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – with matches spread across multiple cities. Kick-off is world cup 2026 odds scheduled for June 2026, and the final will take place in July. We estimate each team’s chances by simulating the entire World Cup tournament thousands of times and counting how often a team wins the group, gets second, third and so on. We estimate each team’s probability of winning a given game using a statistical forecast that is based on roster-level data. Our initial forecasts are based on a best guess of the starting lineups of all 48 squads; we’ll update these estimates if there are prominent injuries.

France and Argentina won their groups as forecast, Brazil and Germany topped theirs, and dark horses Norway, Morocco and Colombia all advanced. 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. Each of these teams has the potential to control a group and advance deep into the tournament. Emerging teams from Africa and Asia could challenge traditional powerhouses, especially under the new format. This edition already attracts attention not only because of its scale but also due to the growing competition among top teams.

Argentina are the closest challenger and sit on the opposite half of the bracket, setting up a possible repeat of the 2022 final. 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. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc.

World Cup Odds: Who is the favourite?

The supercomputer expects Morocco to pose a real threat and their opener against Brazil on 13 June is perhaps the standout fixture in the first week of the tournament. They won’t have the same surprise factor this time around but still made it to what proved to be a chaotic AFCON final this year and started the month of June sitting a lofty eighth in the FIFA world rankings. Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Colombia and Morocco should all realistically target a long run and are dark horses to go the distance. But, of course, that previous World Cup dry spell ended with victory in a tournament hosted by the United States.

Messi extends his World Cup legacy while Ronaldo faces defining moment

We now live in a world where Brazil, the nation with more World Cups than any other, are considered ‘dark horses’. There is something quite romantic about one of the godfathers of management being appointed by the most famous footballing country to bring home the greatest prize in football for a record-extending sixth time. Argentina are overwhelming favourites to continue their perfect World Cup campaign, even with Lionel Messi confirmed to begin the match from the substitutes bench.

At Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain produced one of the most eye-catching international tournament successes in recent memory. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be discounted, while the three host nations will be desperate to make their mark. 48 teams compete at the 2026 World Cup — expanded from 32 at Qatar 2022. They are split into 12 groups of four, with 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. For the complete match-by-match schedule with dates, times, and venues, see our full World Cup 2026 fixtures guide. See here for an overview of which teams got luckiest and unluckiest based on where they slotted into the bracket.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Round Of 32: Ivory Coast vs Norway Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction And More

Click any group below for full match predictions, score tips, and qualification analysis. Here is each team’s probability of winning the World Cup, and advancing to each stage of the knockout round, using an old-school, FiveThirtyEight heatmap format. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history.

Germany vs. France

Many members of the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ remain in the fold, even if the years are starting to catch up with them. But it remains to be seen whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will earn a historic call-up. He is the third player – alongside Messi and Ronaldo – able to appear at an unprecedented sixth edition of the World Cup and was selected for the Gold Cup, so watch this space. That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph.

I would feel more confident in the U.S. going through to the semifinals in that scenario than us against someone like Spain. From animals to colors to local cultural symbols, every team (except one) has a special moniker that’s specific to their nation. Here are the nicknames for every team that will be playing in the World Cup this month.

• Colombia were victorious in 23.9 percent of simulations, while the draw was given a 25.2 percent probability.
• Belgium are coming down the other side of the mountain, with just a few key figures remaining from their “golden generation”.
• 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.
• 16 teams qualify in total from the UEFA qualifiers, with 54 teams split into 12 groups.
• This edition already attracts attention not only because of its scale but also due to the growing competition among top teams.
• Coming closest to Spain in the pre-tournament predictions are France (13.0%), who have contested the last two finals, long-suffering England (11.2%) and defending champions Argentina (10.4%).
• David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up.
• Estadio Azteca is the most well-known in Mexico, but sites in Monterrey and Guadalajara will also be used.
• Taremi urged FIFA to resolve the issues, saying the governing body had failed to provide the support promised before the tournament.

Morocco, meanwhile, are the highest-rated African team after they were superbly shock semi-finalists in Qatar. Germany are overdue a strong result, and the supercomputer gives them a decent chance of achieving that, as they were finalists in 10.6% of sims. And the 38-year-old has continued to post stunning MLS numbers for Inter Miami over recent seasons as he prepares to lead his nation. With Messi complemented by two high-profile strikers still in their prime, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez, Argentina should not be short of goals. The striker is already the record goalscorer for England and has remained a pivotal figure for Tuchel, under whom the early returns have been strong. France have reached the final in four of the last seven editions – twice as often as any other nation during that period – and it would be a surprise if they were not there or thereabouts once again.

1960Tips.com has been the trusted destination for free football predictions, expert VIP picks, and sports betting analysis since 2017. Established in the UK — serving a global audience across Africa, Asia, and beyond. 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.

With Mbappe in his prime, their knockout ceiling is the highest of any contender. Independent forecasts, betting tips and match analysis for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Model-driven forecasts for all 104 World Cup 2026 fixtures — group stage to the final. This version of Morocco has the tools to be more proactive against France, but that can be a double-edged sword, facing Les Bleus’ phenomenal attack.