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.
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- A third option fills only the matches that remain undecided, which preserves any picks already made.
- 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.
- The 2026 format adds a layer that did not exist in the 32-team era.
- With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
- Jordan is making their first-ever World Cup appearance, and that alone makes them one of the tournament’s best storylines.
- Panama will compete hard, and they have enough quality to make games uncomfortable, but the odds still lean against them.
- On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
- 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%.
- England (+650) round out the top three in the 2026 World Cup odds, while Brazil (+750) are the biggest soccer favorites outside of Europe.
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.
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- Choose group outcomes, pick the knockout winners and discover who triumphs.
- 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.
- All things considered, Spain are the rightful favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are worth locking in at +450 odds.
- FIFA’s tennis-style rankings keeping these two apart until the final can really come to pass in a dream final.
- 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.
- Use theFull Tournament Simulator to generate a complete bracket from groups to the final.
- The auto-simulate feature uses FIFA rankings as of April 2026 and a weighted probability model.
- Now, Green has broken down the 2026 World Cup draw from all sides and released his picks, predictions and futures bets.
- 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.
- The placement of each team will affect whom they face in the knockout round.
- While they showed promise at UEFA EURO 2024, France enter with superior depth and balance.
- 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.
- Green has studied the 2026 World Cup draw and locked in his best bets and predictions, including his outright winner.
- Sport’s greatest tournament returns with an all-new expanded format as 48 nations battle it out to win the World Cup.
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.
This change significantly alters both the group stage and the knockout bracket. In the simulator’s model, the highest-ranked nations such as France, Spain, and Argentina win most often, since match probabilities are weighted by FIFA rankings. Lower-ranked teams still advance regularly, so no outcome is guaranteed.
FIFA World Cup Bracket Predictor: Explore All 495 Third-Place Group Scenarios
- 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.
- In addition to co-hosts Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar will also be vying for a top-two spot in this group, with all three nations seeking a maiden knockout appearance on the grandest international stage.
- Share your group link directly on WhatsApp, Telegram or any messaging app.
- 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.
- Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter.
- Building a perfect bracket may be unrealistic, but identifying where chaos is most likely, and where elite teams will hold firm, is the key to getting ahead.
- Predictions are updated ahead of every round to provide clear insights for football fans following the tournament.
- If previous World Cups are anything to go by, shocks and surprises should be a given, so all those teams will still be dreaming of a deep run.
- 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.
- Each of Spain and Argentina could find themselves pushed to the limit by Austria and Uruguay.
- From there, users can start making picks based on how they think the group stage will unfold.
Predictions cover Final Result, Under/Over, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, xG, Corners, and Ball Possession. 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%. The fixture has all the makings of a potential group decider between the two highest-ranked nations in the bracket, with both sides renewing acquaintances at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, meeting for the sixth time in their history. Excitement is building ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations set to battle for football’s biggest prize. Interest in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has added renewed attention on the clip.
Play-Off Hopefuls
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.
Group L: Croatia vs England Clash Tops Competitive Final Group
Argentina enter as defending champion, but without Angel Di Maria, one of the anchors of their last run, they lack the same spark. Portugal’s depth and momentum give them the edge, and I see them pulling off the upset to reach their first World Cup final. Portugal enter the tournament as legitimate title contenders for good reason. Their roster is stacked with talent from back to front, and the possibility of Ronaldo’s final World Cup only sharpens the focus. Bosnia’s effort and organization should not be overlooked, but overcoming a Portuguese side featuring players like Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes would require something exceptional.
World Cup Bracket Maker: Interactive 48-Team Simulator
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.
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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.
World Cup Golden Boot Odds: Full Player List
The expanded 2026 format means more teams advance from the group stage into the knockout bracket, making every goal crucial. This season, 48% of World Cup 2026 matches ended with over 2.5 goals, while World Cup 2026 Games Schedule Both Teams to Score hit in 51% of games. All completed World Cup 2026 predictions remain fully visible — review our track record anytime. A World Cup prediction pool (also called a soccer pool, office pool or bracket pool) is a game where you and your friends predict the scores of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
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.
France appear primed for another title push, led by the world’s top goal scorer Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Throw in guys like William Saliba and Michael Olise, among others, and it’s hard not to like this group. Teams can survive the group stage without being dominant, adding a new level of strategy and scoreboard-watching.
Haiti co-captain Ricardo Adé carries nation’s World Cup dream 52 years in the making
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.
Expected Goals (xG)
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. France became the sixth team to win the World Cup as hosts in 1998, but no side has accomplished the feat since then. Vinícius has played under five different head coaches since joining Real Madrid, and 149 of his 192 goal involvements for the club came during Ancelotti’s second spell in charge of Los Blancos. That previous dry spell ended, of course, in the United States, and Brazil are assigned a 5.6% chance of another stateside triumph. Next year, it will have been 24 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup.
Expectations are sky-high in Mauricio Pochettino’s corner, yet the United States’ recent World Cup performances cannot inspire confidence, even though they’ve reached the knockouts in three of the last four tournaments. South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing. Before bowing out in the group stages four years ago in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout phase at seven consecutive World Cups. With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.
- This page provides comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious international soccer tournament.
- And after Messi finally ended his wait for a World Cup win in Qatar, Portugal are assigned a 6.6% chance of giving Ronaldo his own crowning moment.
- The production of Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen should be enough to see them top the group.
- 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.
- Predictions are updated ahead of every round to provide clear insights for football fans following the tournament.
- 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.
- While it’s hard to see them going the distance, especially with 5 knockout matches now, the German’s know how to win this tournament and can’t be counted out against any opponent they come across.
- Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch.
- These predictions are complicated by fact that the eight best third-place teams will also progress to the knockout rounds.
- The knockout stage starts with a round of 32, meaning every prediction counts from day one.
- 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.
- Uruguay, playing under Marcelo Bielsa at a World Cup for the first time should have enough to qualify with Spain.
FIFA World Cup Predictions
Australia and Paraguay are organized enough to earn draws but remain long shots to advance ahead of the two favorites. Bosnia enter confidently after knocking out Italy and looks talented enough to win this group as long as Edin Dzeko can stay on the pitch at 40 years old. The Bosnian legend didn’t miss a minute in the playoffs against Wales and Italy despite injuring his shoulder. Switzerland’s experience and defensive structure should see them through comfortably, as well. Despite being co‑hosts, Canada remain difficult to trust due to inconsistency in group play, and a lack of high-end talent to get them past better teams.
It awaits to be seen if Neymar will be fit, but if he is, that gives Brazil’s current odds some value. See who AI rates for the trophy, group winners, qualification paths and possible surprises before the tournament starts. It gives searchers one place for dates, teams to follow, prediction markets, and the analysis workflow ScorePoint AI will apply once match-level data is available. A complete Python pipeline for predicting match outcomes, generatingexpected goals, and running Monte Carlo tournament simulations.Built for YouTube creators who want AI-powered soccer analysis. When the tournament begins, it will have been 20 years since the Azzurri played a knockout match at the World Cup – with their most recent such game being the 2006 final.
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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.
Statistical summaries highlight performance trends across World Cup, including attacking and defensive records. The World Cup standings show current table positions, points totals, and recent form for all teams. Simply enter match scores, and the spreadsheet updates everything automatically—including group rankings and knockout pairings based on the new FIFA rules. USA, Mexico, and Canada are the host nations, while Argentina enters as the defending champion. The 2026 FIFA World Cup—the biggest football tournament in the world—will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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.
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.
What this World Cup predictions hub covers
The FIFA World Cup brings together national teams from across the globe, competing through qualification, group stages, and knockout rounds to determine the world champion. The tournament is played every four years and is known for its high intensity, global attention, and decisive matches where form, tactics, and squad depth play a crucial role. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams. That also means there are more nations than ever to make soccer picks and World Cup futures bets on, ahead of the opening match taking place on Thursday, June 11.
The 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. For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections. Use it to pick which team qualifies from each group, then click a team in any matchup to advance them to the next round.
- South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing.
- CR7 has been the focal point of Portugal for more than 20 years, and with a ton of top-tier talent around him such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Felix, there’s a lot to like about the Portuguese.
- Messi has shown no signs of slowing down, helping Inter Miami reach the Major League Soccer Cup final while contributing a staggering 35 goals and providing 21 assists in MLS action this year.
- 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.
- 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.
- I’m taking a risk on Jordan to claim a knockout place and Algeria edging out Austria in an upset as one of the top third-place teams to advance to the Round of 32.
- Their continued success on the international stage has carried momentum into this tournament, supported by a young and exciting group of players.
- Adjust scores, apply official tiebreaker rules, and see which teams qualify for the knockout phase in real time.
Meanwhile, Canada meets Bosnia & Herzegovina in an intriguing clash. Canada will look to use their energy and attacking style, while Bosnia & Herzegovina will rely on experience and tactical structure. With all teams eager to begin strongly, these opening games could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. This is the kind of group where one slow performance can end your hopes quickly.
- 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.
- Our goal is to deliver accurate match previews and analysis tailored specifically to World Cup competition.
- Uzbekistan are good enough to compete, but they are still among the most likely teams to be squeezed out.
- Argentina enter as defending champion, but without Angel Di Maria, one of the anchors of their last run, they lack the same spark.
- Statistical summaries highlight performance trends across World Cup, including attacking and defensive records.
- With more nations, an added knockout round, and third-place teams advancing, predicting the full tournament path is more complex, and more intriguing, than ever.
- Argentina, meanwhile, remain built for high-pressure knockout matches and possess an edge in composure and quality.
- France are looking to reclaim glory, while England are out to end 60 years of hurt.
- 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.
Knockouts
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. But there is a competitive race for the positions behind the England skipper after Tuchel suggested Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could not both start, while Cole Palmer’s season has barely got going due to injuries. The only one other team assigned more than a one-in-10 chance of becoming world champions is England, who are out to end 60 years of hurt at major tournaments. With a 14.1% chance, France are the supercomputer’s second favourites, just behind Spain, who beat them 5-4 in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League in June.
Expected Goals (xG)
Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after a 12‑year absence, built around a core of prime‑age players. While their physicality and attacking threat stand out, their defense is arguably their greatest strength, led by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka. That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference. This contest may be decided in extra time or penalties, favoring Senegal. The 2026 World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format used from 1998 through 2022.
They have only endured one previous drought of that length since first winning the tournament in 1958, between 1970 and 1994. 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. Portugal went out to France at the next stage, as Ronaldo ended the tournament without a goal from 23 shots and 3.6 xG – the second-highest tally at the competition. 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 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era in French football, with Didier Deschamps set to stand down from his role as Les Bleus’ head coach after 14 years at the helm. He will hope to go out with a bang and cement his legacy as France’s greatest boss.
Mexico will need an all‑around effort to advance under the new knockout format, relying on far more than home support to reach the next round. 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.
- Iran and New Zealand lack the elite finishing required to truly threaten Belgium at the top.
- It all started 12 years ago when I used an economic model to forecast the winner of the World Cup in Brazil.
- Recent World Cup results provide insight into current form and momentum across the league.
- Le Selecao don’t have a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho in their lineup anymore, but they do have a very solid squad.
- Despite being co‑hosts, Canada remain difficult to trust due to inconsistency in group play, and a lack of high-end talent to get them past better teams.
The opening matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promise an exciting and competitive start, as teams aim to build early momentum in the group stage. Whether you call it a prediction pool, a soccer pool, a bracket challenge or a sweepstakes — Prodefy makes it easy to create your free pool in under two minutes. Set up a free prediction pool for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with friends, family or coworkers. Predict scores, follow live results and compete on the leaderboard. France vs Spain – Only a handful of teams can stop Les Bleus from becoming the first team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals. Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.
The group stage presents all 12 groups and their 72 matches with live standings, where each group plays a single round-robin and the top two teams advance directly to the Round of 32. Once every group result is set, the knockout bracket unlocks and runs as single-elimination through the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals before the final. The FIFA World Cup 2026 simulator is an interactive tool that models the entire tournament, from the group stage through the final at MetLife Stadium. It covers all 48 teams, 12 groups, and 104 matches of the first 48-nation World Cup, allowing match winners to be selected by hand or generated automatically from FIFA rankings. The result is a complete, shareable bracket that follows the official tournament format.
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. And after Messi finally ended his wait for a World Cup win in Qatar, Portugal are assigned a 6.6% chance of giving Ronaldo his own crowning moment. 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.