World Cup 2026 Schedule, Scoresheet and Prediction Game Spreadsheets » Officetemplate net

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.

• 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.
• Opening that link reproduces the exact bracket, which allows predictions to be compared or revisited later.
• The Netherlands enter as a world‑class side looking to make a statement.
• A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
• Argentina vs. England feels like one that will need longer than 90 minutes to settle.
• Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on Friday 5 December, the Opta supercomputer has produced its early predictions for this summer’s tournament in North America.
• While France could run them close, all signs point to Spain winning their second ever World Cup and following their 2010 success.
• Unlike the 2022 edition held in December, the tournament returns to the traditional summer schedule, making it even more exciting for fans worldwide.

How do I change which teams are in the Round of 32?

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.

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 content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest edition of the tournament has ever seen, with 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. FIFA’s current format sends the top two teams in each group into the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams, which means the margin for error is still very small even in an expanded tournament. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanding from the 32-team format used in recent World Cups. Choose group outcomes, pick the knockout winners and discover who triumphs. This final comes down to France’s athleticism, depth and physical dominance against Portugal’s control of possession and tempo.

Team Squad Worksheet

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.

Group D: Turkey vs USA Headline Group with Knockout Stakes

Vinicius Junior has battled inconsistency, while Raphinha’s form has been disrupted by injuries. That places significant responsibility on Joao Pedro, who has impressed at Chelsea, but it remains uncertain whether that will be enough, or even if he’s locked into the XI. Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch. 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.

The clip has circulated widely across TikTok and other platforms, where some users present it as evidence of a predicted World Cup 2026 final. These national teams usually drive the biggest World Cup prediction searches and will be priorities for deeper pages once fixture data is live. 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. Those teams round out the top 10 favourites, with Belgium next with a 1.9% probability. Many members of the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ remain in the fold, even if the years are starting to catch up with them.

World Cup Semifinal Predictions: Our Picks

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. Welcome to the most complete World Cup 2026 simulator and predictor on the web. Whether you want to simulate the World Cup match-by-match or get instant World Cup 2026 predictions for the full tournament, this free tool covers all 48 teams across 12 groups and the 32-team knockout bracket. This page provides comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious international soccer tournament.

• 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.
• Prior to that, he built more than a decade of experience in the sports journalism industry, primarily for the Stats Perform and Press Association news agencies.
• 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.
• He could become only the third manager to win both the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup, after Marcello Lippi (Juventus, Italy) and Del Bosque (Real Madrid, Spain).
• But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing.
• Having reached the latter stages repeatedly, this feels like an opportunity France cannot let slip, and their overall quality should see them through.
• Choose between blank fillable versions for office pools and predictions, or live versions updated with real results as the tournament progresses.
• 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.
• Green has studied the 2026 World Cup draw and locked in his best bets and predictions, including his outright winner.

However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round. 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.

That side of the draw could open up for England if they end Mexico’s interest in their home tournament. Their recent form also suggests it will be difficult to make their first knockout round appearance, having won just one of their last six matches (D3, L2). Sweden are set to make just their second World Cup appearance since 2006, despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group with two points to their name. The World Cup predictions page offers structured coverage of the tournament across all stages.

Unlike the 2022 edition held in December, the tournament returns to the traditional summer schedule, making it even more exciting for fans worldwide. 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. 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. However, history is unlikely to repeat itself this time around, at least for the back-to-back World Cup finalists. Tunisia’s unenviable record of failing to advance from the group stage in each of their six previous World Cup campaigns suggests they could struggle to keep pace with the rest of the pack.

Philadelphia prepares Lemon Hill for FIFA Fan Fest ahead of World Cup crowds

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.

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. Hannibal Mjebri may catch the eye as one of Tunisia’s key attackers, but the country’s captain, Skhiri, may have a bigger say in the team’s overall performance, and not just because of his role as a leader. However, as the lowest-ranked side in the group, Tunisia may be seen as the most obvious candidate to finish bottom, especially as they have failed to make it out of the group stage in each of their six World Cup appearances. Three-time runners-up Netherlands headline Group F, which has all the makings of being one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.

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That could make the bracket less predictable, especially if a team starts slowly but still does enough to advance. It also means goal differential and group-stage results could play a major role in shaping the knockout matchups. Two of the most talented squads, if not the top two, meet in the tournament semi-final.

How a 1997 Simpsons Joke Became a Viral FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction Theory

• That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph.
• Australia and Paraguay are organized enough to earn draws but remain long shots to advance ahead of the two favorites.
• 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.
• Every four years, I write a note that has many more readers than anything else I publish.
• 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.
• However, as the lowest-ranked side in the group, Tunisia may be seen as the most obvious candidate to finish bottom, especially as they have failed to make it out of the group stage in each of their six World Cup appearances.
• 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.
• Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, et al can help Norway take down a Dutch side weary from their famous win over Brazil.
• 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.
• Still, when the group contains Germany plus two more physically strong and technically sharp sides, survival becomes a serious challenge.

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. Belgium should control this group, but the remaining positions are harder to predict. Mohamed Salah will be motivated to prove he remains world class as Egypt’s leader, though after a season full of diminishing returns and muscle injuries, it’s a tall ask. If he carries them past Iran and New Zealand, advancement is realistic. Iran and New Zealand lack the elite finishing required to truly threaten Belgium at the top. I’m taking Czechia and Mexico to advance, with South Korea finishing as one of the best third‑place teams behind Son Heung-Min.

Even at home in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar still couldn’t get a point and they’ll likely struggle to do so again. Group A is a difficult group, with three teams capable of advancing. Czechia holds a narrow edge thanks to their combination of veterans like Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick, as well as somewhat newcomers in Ladislav Krejci and Pavel Sulc. Mexico’s consistency makes them a reliable choice, as well as playing at home, while South Korea’s speed can be dangerous on the counterattack.

Does the simulator follow the official tournament format?

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. 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.

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.

World Cup Group Previews: Lineups, Odds, Predictions and Tactics for All 12 Groups

Here you’ll find match predictions, upcoming fixtures, recent results, group standings, knockout stage progress, and key statistics to help follow the World Cup tournament. With 16 extra teams compared to previous editions, the group stage alone will feature 72 matches — more than the entire 2022 World Cup. 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. 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. Spain are the +450 favorite, just edging out the top-ranked nation in the world, France at +480.

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 World Cup 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.

World Cup Pool

In past World Cups, picking the top two teams in each group was enough to build out the knockout stage. The top two teams in each group advance automatically, along with the eight best third-place teams. PHILADELPHIA – The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring a new format, a bigger field and a longer road to the final, meaning fans filling out brackets will have more picks to make than ever before. 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.

Mbappé is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 goals for France, having netted 55 times in his 93 caps. There is a good chance that record falls before the World Cup, but he is also chasing down Miroslav Klose’s all-time total of 16 goals at World Cups, having netted 12 times in just two editions of the tournament (four in 2018, eight in 2022). On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

Old Simpsons advertisement scene fuels FIFA World Cup 2026 prediction theory

• 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.
• Their Group E opponents are Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, which is a very rough landing spot for a debutant.
• Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.
• Whether you want to simulate the World Cup match-by-match or get instant World Cup 2026 predictions for the full tournament, this free tool covers all 48 teams across 12 groups and the 32-team knockout bracket.
• He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc.
• Portugal enter the tournament as legitimate title contenders for good reason.
• 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.
• Mohamed Salah will be motivated to prove he remains world class as Egypt’s leader, though after a season full of diminishing returns and muscle injuries, it’s a tall ask.
• For the first time in World Cup history, the winners and runners-up of each group will be joined in the knockout round of 32 by the eight best third-placed teams.
• The result is a complete, shareable bracket that follows the official tournament format.
• That side of the draw could open up for England if they end Mexico’s interest in their home tournament.
• Pick winners group-by-group or auto-simulate every match from group stage to the final.
• Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession.

The fixture also represents the first time that the two nations have faced off since they played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in May 2002. 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. The fixtures section displays upcoming World Cup matches by matchweek, including kickoff times and scheduled pairings. It’s the perfect opportunity to create your free World Cup 2026 prediction pool with Prodefy and compete with friends during the longest and most exciting tournament ever.

If they manage to stay alive until Matchday 3, they will already have done well. To fill out a bracket, fans can visit FIFA’s bracket predictor page and sign in or create a FIFA account. FIFA has launched its World Cup Bracket Challenge through FIFA Play Zone, allowing fans to predict how the 2026 tournament will play out.

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.

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%.

Final

But the jump from breakthrough side to World Cup knockout contender is huge. Argentina’s quality, Austria’s organization, and Algeria’s tournament experience make Jordan a clear underdog in that group. That creates a 32-team knockout round before the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match and final. England’s talent makes them a serious contender, but I’m backing Croatia to finish first based on their recent World Cup success under Luka Modric. England’s game control and defense will be hard to beat, but scoring on bigger stages has always been iffy.

• 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.
• That combination makes Panama a strong candidate for group-stage elimination.
• Recent World Cup results provide insight into current form and momentum across the league.
• Check out the soccer odds below and then visit SportsLine to see Martin Green’s best bets for the 2026 World Cup, all from the proven expert who has crushed his soccer picks, and find out.
• We offer a free premium printable World Cup 2026 bracket in both Letter and A4 formats.
• Reigning world champions Argentina confirmed their status as a tournament machine at the 2024 Copa America.
• 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 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.

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. 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.

Inspirational Croatia captain Luka Modrić is hoping to appear at his fifth World Cup at the age of 40, and no team will want to see Croatia drawn into their group from Pot 2. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, now teammates at Napoli, and Thibaut Courtois will all feature at a fourth edition of the World Cup – no player has ever represented Belgium at more (Enzo Scifo also four). It remains to be seen how the introduction of a round of 32 will affect El Tri, who lost in the round of 16 at seven consecutive World Cups before suffering a group-stage exit in Qatar. If Spain are to triumph, it is likely Lamine Yamal will play a key role.

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. The tool is a prediction model, not a forecast of guaranteed results. 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.

• 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.
• Reigning world champions Argentina confirmed their status as a tournament machine at the 2024 Copa America.
• Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
• Turkey booked their place at the 2026 finals via the play-offs, finishing second behind Spain in Group E of UEFA qualifying before overcoming Kosovo in the Path C decider to secure their ticket to the global stage.
• 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.
• Egypt progressing through CAF qualification undefeated as Belgium manage a period of transition away from their golden generation feel like relevant factors.
• That combination makes Panama a strong candidate for group-stage elimination.

Tuchel’s task is simple – get international football’s nearly men over the line. He could become only the third manager to win both the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup, after Marcello Lippi (Juventus, Italy) and Del Bosque (Real Madrid, Spain). Messi (13) is one goal ahead of Mbappé, who will surely take possession of the record eventually. But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing.

Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, but suffered heartbreak and pain in 2022 as Argentina beat them on penalties. ScorePoint AI treats them as probability ranges and compares them with safer markets such as BTTS and over/under goals. Match-level coverage can expand as fixture and prediction data becomes available.

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.

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage

Check out the soccer odds below and then visit SportsLine to see Martin Green’s 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.

It will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of 4. Share your group link directly on WhatsApp, Telegram or any messaging app. Talk trash, celebrate goals and chat with your group right inside the app. England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals. Brazil vs Senegal – There’s little doubt that Senegal possess the quality and confidence to push this tie into extra time.

The new format advances the top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-place teams to a round of 32. 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). South Africa are not without talent, and they arrive with the kind of national excitement that can lift a squad.

These predictions are complicated by fact that the eight best third-place teams will also progress to the knockout rounds. Who they are and where in the draw they might land is basically impossible to forecast with any certainty. So, let’s say no team that finishes third in their group is going to dust themselves down and win the whole thing. The opening game in Group G pits arguably the two finest Premier League players of the modern era against one another, with Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium taking on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.

• 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.
• Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament opener, with the hosts looking to take advantage of home support and start with a confident performance.
• They have only endured one previous drought of that length since first winning the tournament in 1958, between 1970 and 1994.
• Predict scores, follow live results and compete on the leaderboard.
• They must get past Northern Ireland and potentially Wales to make it, with both of those sides hoping to join fellow home nations England and Scotland.
• South Africa faces the steepest challenge in this group and seems unlikely to get past their first three games.
• Messi (13) is one goal ahead of Mbappé, who will surely take possession of the record eventually.
• The fixture also represents the first time that the two nations have faced off since they played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in May 2002.
• Brazil have struggled to define a clear identity in recent tournaments, raising doubts about their ability to make a legitimate World Cup run.
• 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.
• Welcome to the most complete World Cup 2026 simulator and predictor on the web.
• Ivory Coast’s success will rely on Amad Diallo’s influence in attack, while Ecuador’s defensive solidity is anchored by Moises Caicedo in midfield.

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.

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.

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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. Still, they should not be overlooked, as Takefusa Kubo’s creativity and their speed on the counter could make this a difficult contest.

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.

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.

The 2026 World Cup predictor follows the official FIFA tournament format. The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up qualify automatically for the Round of 32, joined by the 8 best third-placed teams. 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. The simulator is built around two stages that mirror the real tournament.

World Cup 2026 Predictor FAQ

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 Selecao’s depth of talent should be enough to pip Colombia to top spot. Tournament debutants Uzbekistan, playing under Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, and an inter-confederation path featuring DR Congo means a venture into the unknown for the two group favourites.

This is an independent fan experience and is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or any official tournament organizer. We share FIFA World Cup 2026 updates for informational purposes only. A dedicated section in the simulator lists all twelve third-place teams in ranked order, with a clear cutoff line after the eighth position so that the qualifiers and the eliminated teams are easy to identify. 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 with so many contenders in the running, who will ultimately lift the trophy?

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.

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.

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.