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From the greatest individual rivalry of the 21st century to the greatest international soccer rivalry of all time. Even if Brazil have improved as expected under Ancelotti, they are a rung below their great foes at present. Haaland’s father’s generation (Alfie actually didn’t play at the tournament in question) claimed a famous group-stage win over Brazil at France ’98.

Teams can survive the group stage without being dominant, fifa world cup groups 2026 adding a new level of strategy and scoreboard-watching. Belgium vs Best 3rd place Group A/E/H/I/J – Perhaps freeing themselves from the shackles of their trophyless ‘golden generation’ is exactly what Belgium needed to unlock their full potential. Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer. However, Brazil’s form has been far from convincing, while Japan’s ability to compete with top sides suggests this could be far more competitive than expected. South Korea vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Despite overcoming Italy in the qualifying play-offs, this tie could spell the end of Bosnia’s World Cup journey.

Messi extends his World Cup legacy while Ronaldo faces defining moment

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. On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Get expert predictions for every match, updated daily throughout the tournament. If Norway advance through the group stage, Haaland’s clinical finishing and aerial ability make him the most likely top scorer.

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. Elsewhere, the presence of departing Liverpool great Mohamed Salah means Egypt (0.4%) are among the biggest threats from the bottom half of our projections.

• Data-driven betting decisions always give you a better chance of placing winning bets, which demonstrates why it is so crucial which FIFA World Cup predictions that you decide to use, or opt against using.
• Scorer Market – Lautaro Martinez to Score AnytimeLautaro Martinez has scored once in the tournament and registered five goals across Argentina’s last five matches in all competitions.
• Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998, and this World Cup will be the first for Mbappé as France skipper.
• Brazil won 57.3 percent of the 25,000 pre-match simulations, while Japan were victorious in 19.7 percent.
• Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in a breathtaking final that ended 3-3 after extra time before the Albiceleste won on penalties.
• They’re deep, everyone’s scoring, they’re changing and there is just a wealth of talent to choose from.
• 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.
• England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals.
• Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex.
• Dive deeper into the tournament with our guides, analysis, and complete team profiles.
• We have analyzed 64 matches across 48 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%.
• Lionel Scaloni’s side posted three wins from three in group play, beating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1, and Messi has been in remarkable form at 39 years old, driving his side through the group phase with six goals.

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.

• They have topped their first-round pool in every World Cup since 1982 and have a 60.4% chance of winning Group C.
• With that in mind, there are not many outcomes which can be completely dismissed.
• This promises to be one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32.
• 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.
• European opponents tend to fill the United States with dread, but Bosnia has faded down the stretch in all of their matches, even the win over Qatar.
• It will be Mexico next in the Azteca if England beat DR Congo, while France are shorter than 2/1 to win the tournament with most bookmakers after crushing Sweden.
• France remain a tournament machine under Didier Deschamps’s successor, with Mbappé still in his prime and one of the deepest squads in world football.
• Teams with statistically underrated odds given their ELO momentum and recent tournament form.
• In our pick ’em for the World Cup, users select who they think will win each of the 12 groups ahead of the tournament’s first game on Thursday.
• 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.
• There should be plenty of service for Harry Kane, who is Europe’s most in-form striker, netting 24 goals in 20 matches for Bayern Munich since the start of the season in August.

World Cup 2026 group stage

• Brazil come next after beating Japan and Portugal are just outside the top five, while Mexico and Morocco are the big market movers at 28/1.
• Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie.
• The 2026 World Cup will be the broadest, most competitive, and most logistically complex tournament ever staged.
• 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.
• This final comes down to France’s athleticism, depth and physical dominance against Portugal’s control of possession and tempo.
• However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances.
• Despite the promise shown by their young core, the Americans still seem a step behind the world’s true elite.
• The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to a close and it’s full steam ahead into the round of 32.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mexico failed to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup, having previously seen a Round of 16 exit every tournament from 1994 to 2018.

Ghana were victorious in 17.6 percent of simulations, while the draw was rated at 26.2 percent. England and Panama have met only once before at the World Cup, with England cruising to a 6-1 victory in the group stage at Russia 2018. That triumph remains Three Lions’ biggest win in tournament history. An each way bet could be the way to go with African nations that you think have a chance, with Morocco starting with odds of 100/1 or better to win the World Cup before the tournament begins. Data-driven betting decisions always give you a better chance of placing winning bets, which demonstrates why it is so crucial which FIFA World Cup predictions that you decide to use, or opt against using.

Surely we can’t write off Brazil?

Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex. We have analyzed 64 matches across 48 teams in the World Cup 2026, achieving a best-tip accuracy of over 71.9%. Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession.

England are overwhelming favourites to claim all three points in New Jersey. According to the Opta supercomputer’s 25,000 pre-match simulations, the team has a 78.5 percent chance of winning. Similarly in the tournament itself, you might find that teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, or might be eliminated, which could lend itself to valuable FIFA World Cup betting opportunities if analysed correctly. Perhaps none has had more recent success on the international stage as France’s Didier Deschamps.

🔌 Adding Live Data (During Tournament)

However, the step up to face Argentina in a knockout tie is of a different magnitude entirely. Mexico are seeded comfortably and will play key matches at altitude in Mexico City, a significant advantage. The USA enter a home tournament with their strongest squad in a generation, headlined by Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Yunus Musah. While outright victory may be a stretch, a deep run by either CONCACAF nation feels plausible.

As the round of 32 prepares to get underway on Sunday, the cogs of the Opta supercomputer have been whirring to rate every team’s chances of glory. 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.

Main Pick – Argentina to Win @ 1/6Argentina have won all five of their recent matches and scored nine goals in three World Cup group fixtures. Cape Verde’s resilient defensive record is notable but was built against opposition that did not carry the same individual quality Argentina bring. At this price the match result offers no value in isolation, so the play is to combine it with a goals line. Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with the back four expected to feature Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico as full-backs alongside Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero in central defence. The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez has functioned well throughout the group stage, and Scaloni has few, if any, selection headaches at this stage of the tournament. Five wins from five across all competitions, with ten goals scored and just one conceded in that run.

• Their organised defensive shape has been the foundation throughout, keeping clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia and conceding only twice across three games.
• Of the teams in the bottom quarter of our projections, there are a few standout nations who the system thinks could spring a surprise.
• The action wraps up with Mexico hosting Ecuador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and Mexico is the only team remaining in the tournament that hasn’t yet conceded a goal.
• The last time France were in the same group with Senegal, it didn’t end well.
• Pink boots have also become one of the biggest trends at the tournament.
• Established in the UK — serving a global audience across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
• Netherlands topped Group F with seven points to breeze into the round of 32, while Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, also claiming seven points from three games.
• The remaining 22.3 percent of simulations ended level after normal time, sending the tie to extra time and possibly penalties.
• On top of that, online bookmakers may offer special promotions and an extensive range of markets for every game at the World Cup Finals.
• 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.
• They will be placed in Group D, with two of their first-round games taking place in Los Angeles and the other in Seattle.
• Morocco, meanwhile, picked up seven points from their three games in Group C to finish second, only behind Brazil on goal difference.
• 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%).

Tournament Statistics

Estadio Azteca is the most well-known in Mexico, but sites in Monterrey and Guadalajara will also be used. Then, in the United States, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle will be host cities. NFL stadiums have been retrofitted and rebranded to host the games due to FIFA rules, so you won’t see usual signage for places like AT&T Stadium; it will be labeled Dallas Stadium instead. Here are Paul Carr’s power rankings of all 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, separated into five distinct tiers.

Champion: France

In terms of pressing, I have the feeling the Atlas Lions can really trouble the Dutch. Place a max £1 bet on “Over 0.5 Goals” in the Over/Under Goals market in England vs DR Congo World Cup match on Wednesday, 1st July. Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free Bet Builder bets. Free bets are valid 30 days, only deposits with cards, ApplePay, & Pay by Bank are eligible. Ismael Saibari, who is set to make the move to Bayern Munich this summer, has scored three times in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup and will again lead the line.

Next year, it will have been 24 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup. They have only endured one previous drought of that length since first winning the tournament in 1958, between 1970 and 1994. Germany arguably played some of the best football at Euro 2024, ranking second for average possession (62.5%) and goals scored (11), but Nagelsmann has plenty of selection dilemmas to consider.

Group K: Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo Target First in Two-Team Race

The expanded format will give more teams a chance, but it will also test the endurance and tactical flexibility of every squad. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history. Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket. Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final.

FIFA World Ranking (40% weight)

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. In terms of winning the tournament, USA’s chances are more remote but still respectable at 1.2%.

Here you’ll find detailed estimates for how likely all teams are to reach each round or to win the tournament. These teams met in the last 16 in Qatar and Argentina had to endure some nervy moments. Lionel Scaloni’s men have two major tournament successes in their back pocket since then and can make easy work of this game. The first 48–team field in World Cup history has been filed down to 32 for the knockout stages. 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.

Furthermore, play-off spots will also feature teams from these continents too. But even I can not confidently say Colombia will beat France, the most impressive team of the group stage, in a final scenario. They’re deep, everyone’s scoring, they’re changing and there is just a wealth of talent to choose from. But it’s at the end of this chapter and moving that things get real, real serious. The bracket is set, and now all 32 teams can start to dream about their path to the final. From the oldest coach in World Cup history to Lionel Messi’s and Kylian Mbappé’s chase for the all-time World Cup scoring record, history will likely be made this summer.

Sunday, June 14

So who will win the World Cup 2026, and which longshot could stun the soccer world? 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.

• Morocco, meanwhile, are the highest-rated African team after they were superbly shock semi-finalists in Qatar.
• Meanwhile, the USMNT are +6000 longshots to win on home soil, with co-host Mexico also at +6000 and Canada longshots at +17500.
• Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer.
• 2026 Soccer Pick ‚Em with FOX One is a new free-to-play Yahoo Fantasy game where fans make picks each round, earn points and climb the leaderboard.
• The egos have been left at home and this group, which is full of pace and running, has been picked to flourish in the conditions.
• Picking a winner is harder than it has ever been, and that’s precisely what makes the build-up so compelling.
• Our World Cup 2026 predictions land on France beating Argentina 2-1 in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium, a rematch of 2022.
• Spain’s track record in major international competitions gives them the clear edge in this scenario.
• Lionel Messi made history in the group stage, overtaking Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
• Expert tips, group stage analysis, outright winner predictions, Golden Boot picks, and match forecasts for all 104 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — updated throughout the tournament.
• This involves two teams from CONCACAF and one team from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.

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. France (+500) and England (+650) round out the top three in the 2026 World Cup odds, while Brazil (+850) are the biggest World Cup favorites outside of Europe. 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. 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.

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. Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998, and this World Cup will be the first for Mbappé as France skipper. Within that sextet, three teams are seen as the biggest challengers to Spain and three others, while very much in the mix, might need a little more good fortune to go their way if they are to emerge triumphant.

World Cup 2026: Guardian writers’ predictions for the tournament

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. Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign. Mere weeks into Jesse Marsch’s reign, Canada reached the semi-finals on their Copa América debut, losing 2-0 to eventual winners Argentina. Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off. 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.

Preview: Germany vs Paraguay – prediction, team news, lineups 2026 World Cup

A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. 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. And of course, there are also six teams still to be decided in March’s play-offs. There is currently a combined 3.7% chance of any of those sides going all the way, with Italy surely the most likely candidates if they can end their World Cup exile. Croatia are another team whose best days may be behind them but can never be ruled out. Semi-finalists in both 2018 and 2022, they are assigned a 1.1% chance of glory – lower than Mexico and Uruguay (1.7%), whose coach Bielsa recently went on a rant in a press conference following speculation over his position.

Germany: 7.1%

Three of those victories came in competitive World Cup fixtures against varied opposition, and the only goal shipped was against Jordan in a dead-rubber group finale. Argentina are in clinical form and showing no signs of complacency heading into the knockout rounds. 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. Green has studied the 2026 World Cup draw and locked in his best bets and predictions, including his outright winner. He’s also identified a longshot team priced at over +1000 that could pull off a massive shocker and hoist the trophy. France will naturally sit near the top of most betting markets but they are easier to oppose than the odds suggest.

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.

(via FanDuel Sportsbook, subject to change)See full World Cup picks at SportsLine. Luis de la Fuente’s side are arguably the best-equipped team in the tournament because they possess two attributes that are often difficult to marry together. They can dominate possession for long spells, suffocating opponents and conserving energy through control of the ball – but they can also go direct and attack space quickly when the game demands it.

Switzerland vs. Colombia

Portugal, who arrive in the US, Canada and Mexico ranked fifth in the world and fourth favourites for the tournament, are in a favourable-looking Group K alongside the likes of Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Firstly, England have the squad and it’s been picked for purpose by Thomas Tuchel. The egos have been left at home and this group, which is full of pace and running, has been picked to flourish in the conditions. 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.

Here’s how to watch all 104 World Cup matches for free, and here’s a channel guide for the group stage games. For those who prefer Spanish-language broadcasts, 92 games will be on Telemundo, with the other 12 matches (all simultaneous group finales) on Universo. The Yahoo Sports soccer team has its picks for Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, biggest disappointments and more right here.

They were the only contender to come through the group stage with a perfect record, and they did it in the toughest group in the draw. Argentina are right behind them, on the opposite side of the bracket. Here is how the leading contenders stack up as the knockouts begin. Reliable World Cup 2026 predictions depend on careful analysis of each team, its players, and its performance over time.

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. Scotland could pose a threat with players like Scott McTominay and John McGinn, but they’re still at a disadvantage against better teams. They still should have enough to advance as one of the best third‑place teams ahead of Haiti.

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. 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. The Oranje’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 – losing late on to England – was their best at any tournament since finishing third at the 2014 World Cup. Ancelotti was only in charge for the final five games of their campaign, but less than eight months into his reign, he has already overseen surprise defeats to Bolivia and Japan, as well as poor draws with Ecuador and Tunisia. But when the tournament begins, the likelihood is that Ronaldo will hog the headlines, just as he did in Qatar in 2022 and at Euro 2024. 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.

I personally love this matchup, with two of Africa’s strongest sides potentially meeting in the knockout round. 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.

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. 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.

World Championship 2026 facts (last 90 games)

For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections. 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. 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.

They are one of six participants from South America, along with five-time winners Brazil, who are now led by Carlo Ancelotti as the Seleção seek to end a barren run since claiming their last crown back in 2002. 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. View RotoWire’s advanced analysis across all major sportsbooks and DFS. This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 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.

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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. Peter Fitzpatrick is an experienced sports journalist, having worked in the industry since August 2022 following a mid-pandemic career change.

They could give Germany a run for their money in Group E and are given a 43.4% chance of reaching the last 16. But Mexico are given only a 1.0% chance of victory, putting them behind fellow co-hosts United States, Japan and Ecuador, and level with Senegal. Mexico, who will play South Africa in the opening game at Estadio Azteca, also fare reasonably well in our sims. They are given a 47.8% chance of topping Group A, which also contains South Korea and Czechia. It’s not a big surprise to see leading European nations join traditional World Cup heavyweights Argentina and Brazil as the top 10 teams tipped to challenge this summer. Netherlands (3.6%) and Norway (3.5%) rank highest in terms of possible World Cup winners.