2026 FIFA World Cup Full group & knockout stages breakdown

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.

Qualified: World Cup 2026 teams already through to the knockout stage

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.

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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.

For the co-hosts, Canada sits lowest in the rankings at 0.47%, with Mexico up at 1.81%. The USMNT leads the way once again at 2.45%, but there are 10 teams seen as more likely winners. 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. Just 18 years old, he is tipped to be the young player of the tournament and already has the ability to spearhead his team to World Cup glory.

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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 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.

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.

• Portugal will likely have one last dance with a slightly older Cristiano Ronaldo.
• 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).
• The Sporting News is tracking the favourites to win and best betting offers including 50/1 for a goal to be scored in England vs. Congo and 40/1 for Harry Kane to have a shot in the match.
• At this price the match result offers no value in isolation, so the play is to combine it with a goals line.
• While 47 countries won the tournament at least once in our sims overall, for the teams rated 25-48, a successful tournament would realistically constitute emerging from their groups.
• There have also been stirring underdog stories, with minnow Cape Verde qualifying as Group H runners-up behind European champions Spain, and Iran similarly going through the round-robin phase undefeated against the odds.
• 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.
• With 48 teams in 12 groups of 4, and a new Round of 32 stage, the path to the final is longer than ever.
• In terms of winning the tournament, USA’s chances are more remote but still respectable at 1.2%.
• Die Mannschaft actually locked horns with Paraguay in the last-16 stage of the 2002 World Cup, recording a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late effort from Oliver Neuville.
• 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.

Brazil, Germany, Netherlands Ready For A Supercharged Round Of 32 Slate

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. With Messi drawing defensive attention and Julian Alvarez providing the running, Martinez is regularly afforded space inside the area and is one of the most reliable penalty-box finishers in this Argentina squad. He is worth including in any anytime scorer selections at the best available price. Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign has been a demonstration of controlled authority.

After winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is eyeing the chance to bounce back from what was, by his extremely high standards, a poor major tournament at Euro 2024, an event he ended without a goal. 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%). Forty-eight teams will battle it out for glory in North America, but who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup? We asked the Opta supercomputer for its predictions before the tournament kicks off on 11 June. The Sporting News is tracking the favourites to win and best betting offers including 50/1 for a goal to be scored in England vs. Congo and 40/1 for Harry Kane to have a shot in the match. Get the latest World Cup 2026 predictions and betting tips, powered by our AI algorithm, NT Apex.

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• Spain enter as a major tournament favorite, led by superstar Lamine Yamal.
• France and Argentina won their groups as forecast, Brazil and Germany topped theirs, and dark horses Norway, Morocco and Colombia all advanced.
• One recurring issue in recent years has been their lack of a true centre-forward.
• 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.
• Their continued success on the international stage has carried momentum into this tournament, supported by a young and exciting group of players.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises a different kind of tournament – larger, more unpredictable, and more competitive.
• Click any group below for full match predictions, score tips, and qualification analysis.

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. As the tournament draws ever closer, getting stuck into the Opta supercomputer’s projections is the perfect way to whet your appetite while brushing up on some stimulating statistics. Thankfully, we can turn to the Opta supercomputer to provide a comprehensive World Cup forecast that sets realistic expectations for supporters of all 48 nations. 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.

World Cup Format Explained (48 Teams, Knockout Path)

Spain’s young core, led by Lamine Yamal and Pedri, looked devastating en route to Euro 2024. Germany are rebuilding under fresh management and remain ever-dangerous. Portugal will likely have one last dance with a slightly older Cristiano Ronaldo. The Netherlands have the kind of balanced squad that often outperforms its pre-tournament odds. Brazil and France sit at the top of most prediction models, and for good reason.

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. They face Ghana and could reach the quarterfinals without meeting a top seed. Debutants Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of two-time champions Uruguay, who went home. South Africa and Egypt both reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, while Turkiye finished bottom of Group D.

Doku controversy piles pressure on Belgium, France bid for early progression

• Ivory Coast arguably should have won all three of their Group E matches after they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose late against Germany, but Emerse Fae’s team have found goals hard to come by.
• Top 5 (Argentina, Spain, France, England, Brazil) most likely to reach this stage.
• 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.
• Teams can survive the group stage without being dominant, adding a new level of strategy and scoreboard-watching.
• Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
• However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.
• 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.
• 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.
• Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign has been a demonstration of controlled authority.
• France are the form pick after winning Group I with three wins from three, beating Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
• It could be a question of who goes furthest of the contenders or who capitalises on weak opponents, and France have a tough group – but with Iraq in it.

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.

How far will the host nations get?

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is already the only man to score at five World Cups, as the 41-year-old strives for the one major international trophy that has eluded him. This season, 51% of World Cup 2026 matches ended with over 2.5 goals, while Both Teams to Score hit in 52% of games. All completed World Cup 2026 predictions remain fully visible — review our track record anytime.

They’ve consistently found ways to advance deep into tournaments, and that experience matters. Teams with statistically underrated odds given their ELO momentum and recent tournament form. The 48-team format’s wider R32 bracket creates more upset opportunities than the 32-team era. France’s flawless group stage made them the favorite, Argentina drew the kinder half of the bracket, Norway are the dark horse, and Messi leads the Golden Boot race as the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Explore chances for each team

The final is on July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which holds about 82,500 fans. The 2022 semifinalists are through from Group C, and we are tipping them to upset the Netherlands. France opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal and a 3-0 win over Iraq, then sealed Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway featuring an Ousmane Dembele hat-trick.

France vs. Morocco

Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title. Gustavo Alfaro’s team will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw with Australia, while their one success this summer was a 1-0 victory over Turkey. The White and Reds picked up four points from their three Group D matches to finish third, only behind second-placed Australia on goal difference. Germany will take on Paraguay in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, with the pair battling to reach the final 16 of the tournament. Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

• Below are the 16 actual fixtures with our pick for each, followed by our forecast through to the final.
• This is the sort of information to consider if you are thinking of betting on the World Cup, and we have included it in our World Cup betting guide.
• After winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is eyeing the chance to bounce back from what was, by his extremely high standards, a poor major tournament at Euro 2024, an event he ended without a goal.
• The trio are closely matched and have regularly traded ranking positions leading up to the summer.
• Just one shock exit from a tournament favourite can cause other dominos to fall and the draw can suddenly open up for an unexpected team to challenge.
• They fared slightly better with our model than the other first-timers Curaçao and Jordan (both 0.04%).
• 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.
• Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Croatia won 56.3 percent of the time.
• They still should have enough to advance as one of the best third‑place teams ahead of Haiti.
• Top 10 championship probabilities based on FIFA ranking, ELO, and weighted recent form.
• Man City midfielder Rodri is fit again and set to captain the team, while Yamal’s team-mate, striker Ferran Torres, is coming off an impressive campaign for title winners Barça.
• However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games.
• 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.
• Only a penalty shootout denied them a bronze medal, as they lost to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the third-place play-off.
• Still, they should not be overlooked, as Takefusa Kubo’s creativity and their speed on the counter could make this a difficult contest.

Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues add craft in midfield, and manager Aguas is expected to name a similar side to the one that earned three draws through the group phase. But Argentina go into 2026 with momentum, a settled spine, and the small matter of Lionel Messi possibly playing one last World Cup at 39. Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández give them genuine quality even without Messi at his peak. They start as third-favourites and would be considered a major threat in any era. Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT is also given great odds of making it through to the next round, sitting at 78.46%. Canada and Mexico, the other two co-hosts, are both expected to advance comfortably as well.

Main Pick – Argentina to Win @ world cup 2026 teams 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.

World Cup: To advance, the U.S. will have to end its five-year European curse

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 latest 2026 World Cup betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Mexico as -182 favorites to advance to the Round of 16, while Ecuador are +148 underdogs. However, SportsLine soccer expert Matt Severance is looking for a little added security by playing Mexico (tie no bet) for a -215 payout.

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.

We’ve lost big names like Uruguay, Scotland and Türkiye, but all the pre-tournament favorites are still alive and kicking in pursuit of glory across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 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.

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.

Germany and Paraguay meet in the knockout stage having faced each other only twice before. The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup is upon us, and there are some brilliant games coming up in the first knockout round at the tournament. The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a fascinating Round of 32 encounter as Ivory Coast take on Norway at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday. Cape Verde are not believed to have significant injury concerns heading into this fixture. Goalkeeper Vozinha, a veteran of 86 caps, has been the experienced anchor behind the defensive shape that earned their group stage draws. Logan Costa provides quality at centre-back, while Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer, remains their most experienced attacking threat.

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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. But a rampant 5-0 victory in Serbia in September showcased the Three Lions’ potential, and the emergence of Elliot Anderson seems to have finally ended their search for a central midfield partner for Declan Rice. His England reign took some time to get going, as England laboured past Albania (3-0), Latvia (2-0), Andorra (1-0 and 2-0) and were beaten 3-1 by Senegal in a June friendly. 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.

Betting Tips: How to Read and Use World Cup Predictions

The main challenge in Group J is identifying who finishes behind Argentina, as Lionel Messi’s final World Cup campaign makes them clear favorites. Jordan’s Moussa Al Tamari is a player to watch and capable of driving a surprise run. While Algeria and Austria bring veteran leadership, Al‑Tamari’s pace and creativity could tilt the balance. Senegal remain a dangerous dark horse, while Norway and Erling Haaland could disrupt the group. 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.

World Cup 2026 predictions: Winner, golden boot, breakout star and more

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. Five-time winners Brazil are the only side to qualify for every edition of the World Cup, though the Seleção cut things a little too fine this time around, finishing fifth in CONMEBOL’s qualifiers. Ronaldo and his great rival Messi will make history this summer when they appear, becoming the first players to participate in six separate World Cups.

Internationals

Throw in guys like William Saliba and Michael Olise, among others, and it’s hard not to like this group. 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.

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. 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.

• 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.
• Croatia recovered to take second in England’s group, pushing Ghana to a third-place spot.
• Statistical data, team form, and recent match history are taken into account, and predictions are automatically generated by AI with an accuracy of over 71.9%.
• But it’s at the end of this chapter and moving that things get real, real serious.
• Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer.
• What a story it would be if, at 41-years-old, Cristiano Ronaldo matches his arch rival Lionel Messi by helping Portugal to a first-ever World Cup this summer.
• Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter.
• These two met at the same stage of Euro 2024 and Spain won en route to glory.
• Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.
• The same cannot be said of Norway and their rested and refreshed talisman Erling Haaland.
• With Mbappe in his prime, their knockout ceiling is the highest of any contender.
• Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free.
• But it remains to be seen whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will earn a historic call-up.
• However, the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last time out was still a major disappointment, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side therefore set to enter this match off the back of a defeat.

Bosnia’s effort and organization should not be overlooked, but overcoming a Portuguese side featuring players like Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes would require something exceptional. Should the United States advance to the Round of 16, it’s going to take some of their best performances of the past decade, maybe ever. Despite the promise shown by their young core, the Americans still seem a step behind the world’s true elite. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have had moments at the club level, but that’s never been extended to the national team. Argentina, meanwhile, remain built for high-pressure knockout matches and possess an edge in composure and quality. Spain’s track record in major international competitions gives them the clear edge in this scenario.

Brazil vs Senegal – There’s little doubt that Senegal possess the quality and confidence to push this tie into extra time. However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round. 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. Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie. 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. However, history is unlikely to repeat itself this time around, at least for the back-to-back World Cup finalists.

• Just one shock exit from a tournament favourite can cause other dominos to fall and the draw can suddenly open up for an unexpected team to challenge.
• 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.
• The trio are closely matched and have regularly traded ranking positions leading up to the summer.
• 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.
• According to the Opta supercomputer’s 25,000 pre-match simulations, the team has a 78.5 percent chance of winning.
• They fared slightly better with our model than the other first-timers Curaçao and Jordan (both 0.04%).
• Still, they should not be overlooked, as Takefusa Kubo’s creativity and their speed on the counter could make this a difficult contest.
• Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Croatia won 56.3 percent of the time.
• This is the sort of information to consider if you are thinking of betting on the World Cup, and we have included it in our World Cup betting guide.

Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top six betting favourites to take home the most prestigious international title. Debutants Uzbekistan are seen as having a slightly better chance of impressing than the other new nations, as they have a 0.2% chance of going all the way. A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. 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.

Last time out in 2022, Holland reached the quarter-finals, and a win over Morocco would see them secure a spot in the round of 16 against South Africa and Canada, opening up a route into the final eight of the tournament. 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. England finished with eight wins – and eight clean sheets – from as many matches in qualifying, becoming only the second team ever to win all their games in a UEFA campaign without conceding, after Yugoslavia in 1954. Among La Liga players, only Kylian Mbappé (48) had more goal involvements in all competitions this season than the winger’s 41 (24 goals and 17 assists).

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.

Ronald Koeman’s team have scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup and have emerged as a side to watch when it comes to a potential challenge for the trophy. Of the teams in the bottom quarter of our projections, there are a few standout nations who the system thinks could spring a surprise. Just one shock exit from a tournament favourite can cause other dominos to fall and the draw can suddenly open up for an unexpected team to challenge. 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.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams in the field, meaning that 48 different nations will be bringing their traditions and culture to the tournament. A key piece of that culture is the teams’ nicknames — the names that the fans know them by. 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.

• 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.
• Before the biggest FIFA tournament ever kicks off, some predictions are in order.
• Germany will take on Paraguay in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, with the pair battling to reach the final 16 of the tournament.
• Netherlands (3.6%) and Norway (3.5%) rank highest in terms of possible World Cup winners.
• However, the group won’t be straightforward against an experienced Uruguay side that only allowed 12 goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualification games.
• 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.
• Panama are given just an 8.9 percent chance of recording their first-ever World Cup victory, while the probability of them earning a maiden World Cup point stands at 12.6 percent.
• Portugal are slight favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, winning 51.6 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations.

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. 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. During World Cup qualification, you may notice that certain teams have already qualified for the main tournament which may mean that they use some squad players or experiment with their lineup. 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.

African Nations to Watch in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

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.