World Cup bracket predictions 2026: Expert picks for Round of 32 and every FIFA knockout game

With history on the line, I see France growing complacent, allowing Portugal to seize the moment with a historic 1–0 victory, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career with ultimate glory. 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. South Africa faces the steepest challenge in this group and seems unlikely to get past their first three games.

World Cup 2026: Winners predicted as holders Argentina defend title in USA, Canada, Mexico tournament

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.

• 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.
• Their continued success on the international stage has carried momentum into this tournament, supported by a young and exciting group of players.
• With 48 teams taking part, there also will be some new names gracing the tournament.
• The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals, and the four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semi-finals, with the winners of the two bracket finals reaching the FIFA World Cup 26.
• None of the South American powerhouses have been overly convincing in recent times, but you’d have to guess that if the winner were to come from outside Europe, Argentina and Brazil would be favourites.
• France and Argentina won their groups as forecast, Brazil and Germany topped theirs, and dark horses Norway, Morocco and Colombia all advanced.
• Football’s biggest stage returns this summer as a stacked line-up of global contenders collide in pursuit of 2026 FIFA World Cup glory.
• 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.
• Morocco, meanwhile, arrive in a confident mood after beating Scotland and are aiming for back-to-back World Cup wins over European opponents for the first time.
• The Brazilians are priced at -300 to advance to the next round, with the Japanese at +235.

Portugal vs. Croatia

• There are two other potentially pivotal group clashes to circle on your calendar by the time we reach MD3, as France take on Norway in Foxborough on 26 June, while Colombia battle Portugal in Miami a day later.
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• Outright odds for the World Cup are decided based on numerous factors and considerations from bookmakers, such as team strength, form through qualifiers, performance against big nations, among other things.
• Portugal’s depth and momentum give them the edge, and I see them pulling off the upset to reach their first World Cup final.
• The remaining 27.4 percent of simulations were level after 90 minutes, sending the match to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
• Scotland could pose a threat with players like Scott McTominay and John McGinn, but they’re still at a disadvantage against better teams.

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.

• Croatia are another team whose best days may be behind them but can never be ruled out.
• Looking beyond this match, Germany have a 78.6 percent chance of reaching the round of 16 and a 4.4 percent probability of winning the World Cup.
• 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.
• Squad depth will matter more than ever, as the schedule becomes tighter and physically demanding.
• 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.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues on Monday with three more round of 32 ties, as Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands bid to join Canada in the last 16 of the tournament.
• In 11 of the 12 groups, a team has been picked by at least 70% of entries in Yahoo Sports’ Soccer Pick ‘Em with Fox One.
• Get expert predictions for every match, updated daily throughout the tournament.
• DR Congo clinched its first-ever spot in the World Cup knockout stage, and with that, the nation was rewarded with England.
• If you’re after a free-flowing side, stick to the Spains of this world.
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• He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit.
• The picks weigh how each team actually performed, the strength of their group, and the bracket path ahead of them.
• Logan Costa provides quality at centre-back, while Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer, remains their most experienced attacking threat.

What are you most looking forward to outside of the games?

Visit our World Cup 2026 predictions today page or our main football predictions page for daily updates throughout the tournament. As world No.1, reigning European champions, and with a deep, tactically cohesive squad, they enter as the strongest all-round side in the tournament. Fresh match predictions, betting tips, and analysis updated every day throughout the tournament.

The draw is priced at 15/2, reflecting just how unlikely a stalemate is given the gap in class between these two sides. This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only. If you choose to engage with betting partners featured on the site, always stay within your limits. Set deposit controls, take regular breaks, and know when to step back. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, support is available at GambleAware or GamCare. 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.

• 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.
• Cape Verde’s resilient defensive record is notable but was built against opposition that did not carry the same individual quality Argentina bring.
• That said, Senegal appear the more complete side, with greater star power likely to make the difference.
• 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.
• He’s a winner and with the squad he’s picked, he obviously has a plan.
• 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.
• The draw was rated at 13.3 percent, leaving Jordan – who have already been eliminated from the 2026 tournament – with just an 8.8 percent chance of pulling off a famous upset and claiming their first-ever World Cup win.
• However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.
• They also won last summer’s Nations League, getting the better of both Germany and Spain in the semi-finals and finals, with largely the same group of players.
• Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign has been a demonstration of controlled authority.

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

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

• 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.
• Canada finished second behind Switzerland and chase a first men’s World Cup knockout win against South Africa in the opening tie.
• Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández give them genuine quality even without Messi at his peak.
• We are calling a France vs Argentina final, with France lifting the trophy 2-1 on July 19.
• 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.
• From animals to colors to local cultural symbols, every team (except one) has a special moniker that’s specific to their nation.
• With the 48-team format, expect slight dilution — 10–12 top-20 teams likely.
• 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.
• Brilliant Bernardo Silva and the livewire Rafael Leao are in Roberto Martinez’s squad too.
• France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament.
• 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.
• They were Copa America runners-up on U.S. soil in 2024, only losing the final to Argentina in extra-time, and they also finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying.

Belgium vs Senegal Picks, Tips, Odds & Best Bets: 2026 World Cup Round of 32

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. 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. After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including the Champions League (+211.25) and Bundesliga (+100). He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Indy Sport’s writers have made their selections for USA, Canada and Mexico 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino will present the winning country with the trophy in East Rutherford, New Jersey when the competition concludes with the World Cup final on 19 July. Peter Fitzpatrick is an experienced sports journalist, having worked in the industry since August 2022 following a mid-pandemic career change. In the time since, he has worked for a wide range of well-known publications including the Evening Standard, FourFourTwo, Football365, GOAL and TNT Sports.

Best World Cup group stage games

France and Argentina are the most likely finalists, sitting on opposite halves of the bracket. Spain and Brazil are the strongest challengers, though Spain would have to get past Argentina in the semifinals to reach the final on July 19. The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises a different kind of tournament – larger, more unpredictable, and more competitive. The expanded format will give more teams a chance, but it will also test the endurance and tactical flexibility of every squad.

Bosnia vs. Portugal

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

But the prospect of two icons duelling to end the tournament in the lead should be absorbing viewing. After watching his team fall agonisingly short on penalties against Argentina in Qatar, he has another chance to become only the second coach to win multiple World Cups (after Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938). Deschamps’ reign has comprised 175 games, so if they reach the first knockout round, he will have overseen 100 games more than France’s next-longest serving boss (Raymond Domenech, 79). Yamal created the most chances at the tournament, with 19, while only teammate Nico Williams (2.1) had more expected assists (xA) than his 2.0. It is little surprise, then, that Spain are our predictive model’s early World Cup favourites, going all the way in 17.0% of tournament predictions. Six of the teams appearing at the tournament are still to be decided, with four qualifying via the UEFA play-offs and another two via the inter-confederation playoffs.

But they won that match by a statement 6-0 scoreline, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané among the goals. But by the time next year’s tournament rolls around, it will have been 12 years since Germany played a knockout game at a World Cup. 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. Mbappé is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 goals for France, having netted 55 times in his 93 caps. 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.

He just scores goals – 61 of them to be precise this season – and this summer he looks to be heading into the tournament in peak physical condition. He finally has that winning feeling at Bayern and maybe, just maybe, he’s ready to fire England to glory too. The World Cup kicks off on June 11 – but who will lift the trophy after the final on July 19? Thomas Tuchel’s England among favourites, but Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, France, Spain, Brazil and more in the mix; Our writers make their predictions… Austria are narrowly favoured to win, with a 31.2 percent chance of taking all three points, while Algeria are rated at 26.7 percent.

Champion: France

This has all of the makings of a very, very interesting match, and we have found it difficult to pick a winner here. Netherlands have been impressive this summer, but we are expecting Morocco to record a 2-1 victory in order to progress to the round of 16. Morocco have never won the World Cup, but they did reach the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament, which represented their best-ever run in the competition. Morocco, meanwhile, picked up seven points from their three games in Group C to finish second, only behind Brazil on goal difference.

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

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.

World Cup 2026 bracket: Latest Round of 32 results

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. Below, you’ll find a full round-by-round projection, blending safe picks with calculated risks to map out how the 2026 World Cup could unfold. When the smart-money crowd converges on a Top 4, history suggests a team NOT in that group wins the tournament about 25% of the time. Top 5 (Argentina, Spain, France, England, Brazil) most likely to reach this stage. Historical data suggests 5 of 8 QF teams will be from Europe + South America. Most matches should follow ranking expectations, but expect 2–4 upsets given third-placed teams are typically mid-tier (ranked 40–80 globally).

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

For full predictions on points, goals and assists, check out our 2026 World Cup Team Projections. Here’s exactly how we compute championship odds, group probabilities, and knockout forecasts. With the 48-team format, expect slight dilution — 10–12 top-20 teams likely. The 2026 knockout format starts with Round of 32 — a new round created by the 48-team expansion. 8 third-placed teams join the 24 automatic qualifiers (1st + 2nd from each of 12 groups), making the R32 path unprecedented.

• 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.
• Established in the UK — serving a global audience across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
• This has all of the makings of a very, very interesting match, and we have found it difficult to pick a winner here.
• 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.
• Each of these teams has the potential to control a group and advance deep into the tournament.
• The Argentina ace’s supporters have been able to play a trump card whenever the debate about the two modern-day icons has been had since Messi’s heroics in Qatar.
• Vinicius Junior has battled inconsistency, while Raphinha’s form has been disrupted by injuries.
• There will likely be an experienced feel to their squad, led by Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who is only eight away from Javier Hernández’s all-time Mexico goal record of 52.
• Still, football rarely follows a script, and a single moment can change everything.
• Emerging teams from Africa and Asia could challenge traditional powerhouses, especially under the new format.

Thursday, June 18

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. Eleven of the tournament’s venues are in the USA, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are assigned a 0.9% chance of going all the way. They will be placed in Group D, with two of their first-round games taking place in Los Angeles and the other in Seattle.

Panama are worldcup2026 sea forecasts 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. Six World Cup games, knockout places on the line, Cape Verde make history and Iran wait for a place in the Round of 32. With FIFA World Cup betting, it is key not to make silly mistakes which can immediately harm your chances of placing winning bets.

Brazil won 57.3 percent of the 25,000 pre-match simulations, while Japan were victorious in 19.7 percent. The remaining 23.0 percent of simulations ended level after 90 minutes, meaning the tie would be decided in extra time or a penalty shootout. The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues on Monday with three more round of 32 ties, as Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands bid to join Canada in the last 16 of the tournament. Norway, however, possesses one of the most dangerous forward lines left in the competition. Haaland has led from the front, while Ødegaard continues to dictate play from midfield.

• They also won last summer’s Nations League, getting the better of both Germany and Spain in the semi-finals and finals, with largely the same group of players.
• Argentina’s World Cup 2026 campaign has been a demonstration of controlled authority.
• However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.
• Even if Brazil have improved as expected under Ancelotti, they are a rung below their great foes at present.
• France are the form pick after winning Group I with three wins from three, beating Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
• We’ve added a new chart to show you the method of advancement (regulation, extra time, penalties) just to cover all our bases.
• Cape Verde’s resilient defensive record is notable but was built against opposition that did not carry the same individual quality Argentina bring.
• This site provides historical and current football data for informational purposes only.

France vs. Spain

Despite sitting a point behind Ghana in Group L, Croatia are clear favourites to claim victory, according to the Opta supercomputer. Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast are all set to feature in the tournament and could find a way to cause major upsets and book a spot in the latter rounds. Our site ensures you have the latest predictions for the World Cup 2026, including qualifiers, and encourages you to make smarter betting decisions with analytical research going into each and every projection we provide.

World Cup bracket predictions 2026: Expert picks for Round of 32 and every FIFA knockout game

If he carries them past Iran and New Zealand, advancement is realistic. Iran and New Zealand lack the elite finishing required to truly threaten Belgium at the top. The Netherlands enter as a world‑class side looking to make a statement. The production of Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen should be enough to see them top the group.

• Five wins from five across all competitions, with ten goals scored and just one conceded in that run.
• 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.
• There are eight LaLiga winners from Barcelona – but, tellingly, none from Real Madrid.
• Behind the top three, a cluster of European nations all carry realistic hopes.
• The Yahoo Sports soccer team has its picks for Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, biggest disappointments and more right here.
• Belgium should control this group, but the remaining positions are harder to predict.
• Argentina are right behind them, on the opposite side of the bracket.
• A total of 18 spots are earnt for these three different qualification processes in Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF) and Oceania (OFC).
• 1960Tips.com has been the trusted destination for free football predictions, expert VIP picks, and sports betting analysis since 2017.
• 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.

Explore chances for each team

Victory would see Algeria win back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time. Portugal are slight favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, winning 51.6 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations. Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Croatia won 56.3 percent of the time. Ghana were victorious in 17.6 percent of simulations, while the draw was rated at 26.2 percent.

There are charts showing each team’s chance of winning it all, their most likely opponents at each stage, and precise odds for each game, including the likelihood of particular scores (e.g., Brazil 2-1). The most comprehensive World Cup 2026 predictions resource available. All 12 groups, outright winner analysis, Golden Boot picks, dark horse teams, and daily tips throughout the 38-day tournament from 11 June to 19 July 2026. 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. History is not on their side in this matchup, as Switzerland arrive with a full-strength side built on midfield physicality and an elite attacking presence in Breel Embolo and Fabian Rieder. 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.

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.

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

Who is predicted to win the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026?

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. Germany are four-time world champions, but they were knocked out in the group stage of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. DFB-Team were not mentioned as one of the serious challengers for the trophy pre-tournament, and they are still regarded as outsiders at this stage, especially as France could be waiting in the last-16 stage of the tournament. 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.

Which teams are most likely to reach the final?

Vinicius Junior has battled inconsistency, while Raphinha’s form has been disrupted by injuries. That places significant responsibility on Joao Pedro, who has impressed at Chelsea, but it remains uncertain whether that will be enough, or even if he’s locked into the XI. Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch. Ghana cannot be overlooked, as Antoine Semenyo provides genuine danger, but I expect the European sides to control this group with Ghana likely finishing as one of the best third-place teams. Colombia remain a threat thanks to Luis Diaz playing some of the best football of his career.

Quarter Finals

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. 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. But the likes of Enzo Fernández and Julián Alvarez have kicked on in the last two years, and any team which has Messi has a chance of going all the way – a creditable 8.7% chance, according to the supercomputer.

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.

Norway have nothing to lose and can hurt Brazil, but they have a defence that Vinicius and company can exploit enough times to progress. 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. Iran’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Team Melli missed out on the knockout stage by the narrowest of margins. Their previous tournament encounter came in the 1994 group stage, when the Dutch claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Bryan Roy.

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.