My 2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions
- Linus O'Howell
- Jun 8
- 21 min read
One of my most highly anticipated articles is here: My 2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions! Join me as I go through all 12 groups, name my 8-best third-place teams, before eventually picking who I think’s going to become Football’s latest World Champions! So, let’s get into it!
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
In Group A, Mexico face three home games against South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia! For me, I have Mexico to win this group, with their home advantage leading them to 3 wins out of 3! In second, I have South Korea to advance to the next round with wins over the teams below them! I then have both Czechia and South Africa to finish on 1 point each, with Czechia finishing above on goal difference! Personally, I don’t rate either team!
Group A Results:
Mexico 3-0 South Africa
South Korea 2-1 Czechia
Czechia 1-1 South Africa
Mexico 2-1 South Korea
Czechia 0-2 Mexico
South Africa 0-2 South Korea
Group A Standings:
Mexico: 9pts (+6)
South Korea: 6pts (+2)
Czechia: 1pt (-3)
South Africa: 1pt (-5)
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Switzerland are very much the odd ones out in a group where no one else has ever made it to the Knockout Stages of the FIFA World Cup! For me, Switzerland are clearly the best team in this group, which is why I have them to win it with a perfect 9 points! In second, I actually have Bosnia and Herzegovina to make their way through with a win, draw, and defeat in their three games! I then have Canada to finish third, also on 4 points, but with a worse goal difference than Bosnia! However, Canada will at least advance as the 5th-best third-place team! And finally, I have Qatar to finish bottom of Group B, with them continuing their 100% losing streak on the world’s biggest stage!
Group B Results:
Canada 2-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar 0-3 Switzerland
Switzerland 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada 1-0 Qatar
Switzerland 3-1 Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 Qatar
Group B Standings:
Switzerland: 9pts (+6)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 4pts (0)
Canada: 4pts (-1)
Qatar: 0pts (-5)
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Two Top-10 teams face off in Group C, a group that also contains Haiti and Scotland! For me, I think Morocco are the best team in this group, and I’ve actually got them to win all 3 games! In second, I have Brazil to get in on goal difference only, as I’m not convinced by them at all! I then have Scotland to finish third, also with 4 points, which is enough for them to finally qualify for a Knockout-Round game (as the 6th-best third-place team)! And finally, I have Haiti to finish bottom of Group C, with the task of them scoring a point feeling pretty damn difficult!
Group C Results:
Brazil 1-2 Morocco
Haiti 1-2 Scotland
Scotland 0-2 Morocco
Brazil 4-0 Haiti
Scotland 1-1 Brazil
Morocco 5-1 Haiti
Group C Standings:
Morocco: 9pts (+7)
Brazil: 4pts (+3)
Scotland: 4pts (-1)
Haiti: 0pts (-9)
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye
Group D is arguably the most open of all 12 at this year’s FIFA World Cup! For me, I actually have Turkiye to win this group with 7 points, despite being the Pot 4 team! In second, I have the United States to earn their way through at home, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 defeat! I then have Paraguay to finish third with 3 points, all coming from draws! Funnily enough, this is actually enough for Paraguay to make it through to the Last 32 (as the 7th-best third-place team)! And finally, I have Australia to finish bottom of Group D with just 1 point to their name, and honestly, that probably means that the Aussies are going to win it!
Group D Results:
United States 0-0 Paraguay
Australia 0-1 Turkey
United States 2-1 Australia
Turkiye 1-1 Paraguay
Turkiye 2-1 USA
Paraguay 1-1 Australia
Group D Standings:
Turkiye: 7pts (+2)
United States: 4pts (0)
Paraguay: 3pts (0)
Australia: 1pt (-2)
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador
Curacao enter the world’s biggest stage for the first time with games against former 4-time Champions Germany, and “defensive machines” Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador! For me, I’ve actually got Ecuador to win this group, conceding just 1 goal on their way to 7 points! In second, I have Germany to finally get out of a World Cup Group Stage again, although they’d want more than just second! I then have Cote d’Ivoire to finish third, with 4 points enough for them to progress as the 4th-best third-place team! And finally, I have Curacao to finish bottom of Group E, losing all 3 games!
Group E Results:
Germany 3-0 Curacao
Cote d’Ivoire 0-0 Ecuador
Germany 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire
Ecuador 2-0 Curacao
Curacao 1-2 Cote d’Ivoire
Ecuador 2-1 Germany
Group E Standings:
Ecuador: 7pts (+3)
Germany: 6pts (+3)
Cote d’Ivoire: 4pts (0)
Curacao: 0pts (-6)
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
It’s anyone's guess as to which of the Netherlands or Japan wins this group! For me, I have the Netherlands to win it… just! In second, I have Japan to also end up on 7 points, but with a 1-goal difference deficit to the Dutch! I then have Tunisia to finish third, but rather harshly for them, I have them as the ones finishing on the wrong side of the third-place line! And finally, I have Sweden to finish bottom of Group F, losing all 3 games (I think their Playoff performances were a one-off)!
Group F Results:
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Sweden 0-1 Tunisia
Netherlands 3-0 Sweden
Tunisia 0-3 Japan
Japan 2-1 Sweden
Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands
Group F Standings:
Netherlands: 7pts (+5)
Japan: 7pts (+4)
Tunisia: 3pts (-4)
Sweden: 0pts (-5)
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand
Belgium are the standout team in Group F, with Egypt, IR Iran, and New Zealand all looking to make history! For me, Belgium are going to win this group, but they’re not going to win every game! In second, I have IR Iran to earn 5 points, meaning I do indeed have them to also go unbeaten during the Group Stage! I then have Egypt to finish third, with their first-ever World Cup win enough for them to get in as the third-best third-place team! And finally, I have New Zealand to finish bottom of Group G, with them losing all 3 games!
Group G Results:
Belgium 2-1 Egypt
IR Iran 2-1 New Zealand
Belgium 1-1 IR Iran
New Zealand 0-2 Egypt
Egypt 1-1 IR Iran
New Zealand 0-3 Belgium
Group G Standings:
Belgium: 7pts (+4)
IR Iran: 5pts (+1)
Egypt: 4pts (+1)
New Zealand: 0pts (-6)
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Cabo Verde enter their first-ever World Cup, joining the same group as the reigning European Champions, Spain! For me, Spain are definitely the class of this group, and that’s why I have them to win all 3 of their Group Stage matches! In second, I have Uruguay to win their opening two games, but they’ll lose their Group-decider! I then have both Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde to score 1 point each, with Saudi finishing ahead due to a better goal difference!
Group H Results:
Spain 7-0 Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia 1-3 Uruguay
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Uruguay 3-1 Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde 2-2 Saudi Arabia
Uruguay 0-2 Spain
Group H Standings:
Spain: 9pts (+13)
Uruguay: 6pts (+2)
Saudi Arabia: 1pt (-6)
Cabo Verde: 1pt (-9)
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group I plays host to the most star-studded teams, with Iraq somehow needing to find a way to stop France, Senegal, and Norway! For me, France will top this group, edging their way to top spot with an important win in their final Group Stage game! In second, I have Senegal to get through on 5 points, going unbeaten during this stage of the tournament! I then have Norway to finish third on 4 points, with their strong goal difference making them the best third-place team at this year’s FIFA World Cup! And finally, I have Iraq to finish bottom of Group I, with this group feeling practically impossible for them to get anything from, let alone to make it out of it!
Group I Results:
France 2-2 Senegal
Iraq 0-5 Norway
France 5-0 Iraq
Norway 1-1 Senegal
Norway 2-3 France
Senegal 3-0 Iraq
Group I Standings:
France: 7pts (+6)
Senegal: 5pts (+3)
Norway: 4pts (+4)
Iraq: 0pts (-13)
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
The reigning World Champions Argentina enter Group J against Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan! For me, Argentina are going to win this group comfortably, winning all 3 matches! In second, I have Austria to sneak their way through on 4 points, with goal difference massively helping them out! I then have Algeria to finish third, also on 4 points, although that will be enough for them to get through as the second-best third-place team! And finally, I have Jordan to finish bottom of Group J, losing all 3 games in their debut campaign!
Group I Results:
Argentina 2-1 Algeria
Austria 3-0 Jordan
Argentina 2-1 Austria
Jordan 1-3 Algeria
Algeria 2-2 Austria
Jordan 0-4 Argentina
Group J Standings:
Argentina: 9pts (+6)
Austria: 4pts (+2)
Algeria: 4pts (+1)
Jordan: 0pts (-9)
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
The battle for top spot in Group K should be close between Portugal and Colombia, whilst neither DR Congo nor Uzbekistan are heading to North America to make up the numbers! For me, Portugal are going to win this group, just! In second, I have Colombia to end up missing out on top spot in this group, despite earning 7 points from their 3 group games! Both of these teams are strong! I then have Uzbekistan and DR Congo to finish third and fourth respectively, with Uzbekistan ultimately coming out as the debutants of the tournament due to their “superior” goal difference!
Group K Results:
Portugal 3-0 DR Congo
Uzbekistan 1-2 Colombia
Portugal 4-1 Uzbekistan
Colombia 2-0 DR Congo
Colombia 1-1 Portugal
DR Congo 1-1 Uzbekistan
Group K Standings:
Portugal: 7pts (+6)
Colombia: 7pts (+3)
Uzbekistan: 1pt (-4)
DR Congo: 1pt (-5)
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Last, but certainly not least, Group L contains two contenders in the form of England and Croatia! For me, England will win this group, but only on goal difference! In second, I have Croatia to also end up on 7 points, although I don’t envision them winning any of their games comfortably! I then have Panama to finish third with 3 points, which amazingly enough, does get them through to the next round as the final third-place entrant! And finally, I have Ghana to finish bottom of Group L, losing all three games!
Group L Results:
England 0-0 Croatia
Ghana 1-2 Panama
England 3-1 Ghana
Panama 1-2 Croatia
Panama 0-1 England
Croatia 1-0 Ghana
Group L Standings:
England: 7pts (+3)
Croatia: 7pts (+2)
Panama: 3pts (-1)
Ghana: 0pts (-4)
Second Round:
Ecuador VS Scotland
The first game of my Round of 32 sees Scotland enter their first-ever Knockout game at a major tournament against Ecuador! Ecuador topped their group despite having strong teams alongside them, whilst Scotland have already had to face both Brazil and Morocco! However, I think is about as far as Scotland are going to get this summer, with Ecuador being too good for them!
My Prediction: 1-0
France VS Paraguay
Paraguay have it all to do if they’re going to make it any further in this year’s FIFA World Cup, with France entering as heavy favourites! France topped a group that included Senegal and Norway, whilst Paraguay are unbeaten so far in this competition! However, I don’t expect that to continue, with France breezing through here!
My Prediction: 2-0
South Korea VS Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date-wise, South Korea VS Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the first knockout game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Both teams finished second in their group, with South Korea earning 6 points in comparison to Bosnia’s 4! This is actually Bosnia’s first-ever knockout game at a major tournament, which is a major deal for the nation, but for me, South Korea are good enough to earn their first win in a World Cup Knockout match since 2002!
My Prediction: 2-1
Netherlands VS Brazil
Arguably, the most star-studded game of the Last 32 sees the Netherlands take on Brazil! Netherlands did just enough to edge Japan out to top spot in Group F, whilst Brazil only managed to earn 4 points in Group C! Some would say that this is a harsh draw for the Dutch, but you have to remember that these two teams are next to one another in the FIFA Rankings! Ultimately, neither the Netherlands nor Brazil can afford to go out of the World Cup this early, but for me, I think Brazil are getting sent home!
My Prediction: 2-2 (Netherlands Win on Penalties)
Colombia VS Croatia
Two of the absolute best Pot 2 teams face off in Toronto, with both Colombia and Croatia aiming to go a lot further at this summer’s World Cup! Both of these teams were incredibly unlucky with their draw, and they were even more unlucky to finish second in their group with 7 points! Yes, that means that both Colombia and Croatia enter this game undefeated, meaning that this is really anyone’s game to win! In fact, I think this game will go to penalties, and I’m going to say that Colombia will end Croatia’s Semi-Final streak!
My Prediction: 0-0 (Colombia Win on Penalties)
Spain VS Austria
After already facing Argentina in the Group Stage, Austria are tasked with another difficult afternoon when they take on Spain! Spain topped their group convincingly, winning all 3 games by an aggregate score of 13-0, whilst Austria needed goal difference to help them finish second above Algeria! This is one of those draws where Austria had potential to go further in this competition, but I’m sorry; they’re not beating Spain! Also, funnily enough, I actually had Spain to lose to Austria in the Last 16 at Euro 2024, so I’m definitely not making that mistake again!
My Prediction: 2-0
Turkiye VS Canada
For the first time this tournament, Canada won’t exactly have home-field advantage as they’re forced to take on Turkiye at Levi Stadium in San Francisco, California! Turkiye have already beaten one host at this tournament, with a final matchday victory over the United States being enough for them to top Group D, whilst Canada advances as one of the 8-best third-place teams! Turkiye are ranked higher than Canada in the official FIFA World Rankings, and to be honest, I’d expect them to end the Canadians’ dreams too!
My Prediction: 2-1
Belgium VS Algeria
Belgium’s “easier” schedule up to this point is set to continue when they take on Algeria in the final Second Round game of that half of the draw! Whilst they did win their group, I think Belgium would be a bit disappointed if they don’t win all three of their Group Stage matches, whilst Algeria made a good account of themselves in Group J, even if they finished behind both Argentina and Austria! At this point, Algeria are probably at a very similar level, if not slightly below fellow African nation Egypt, and given I had Belgium to beat them in the Group Stage, I expect another win for the European side!
My Prediction: 1-0
Morocco VS Japan
The second half of the draw kicks off with a potential barnstormer as the best team in Africa take on the best team in Asia! Both Morocco and Japan managed to go unbeaten during the Group Stage, with neither team losing against the bigger names of Brazil and the Netherlands! In fact, Japan were very unlucky that they didn’t top their group, only missing out on goal difference, whilst it proved to be quite smooth sailing for the reigning African Champions! I want to point out that Japan have never won a Knockout game at the World Cup, and whilst that could definitely change this summer, I think they’re going to just fall short to a slightly better team!
My Prediction: 2-2 (Morocco Win on Penalties)
Germany VS Senegal
After arguably appearing in the two strongest groups in the tournament, only one of Germany or Senegal are going to make it into the Last 16! Both teams managed to finish second in their groups, albeit they did it in different ways, with Germany winning 2 and losing 1, whilst Senegal went unbeaten, winning 1 and drawing 2 games! Germany enter this year’s World Cup ranked 10th in the world, whilst Senegal’s ranking of 14th tells you that this is a tight one to call! Then you have momentum, which Germany don’t have on the biggest stage, whilst Senegal are coming off the back of an extremely controversial African Cup of Nations Final! For me, Senegal win this game!
My Prediction: 1-2
Mexico VS Cote d’Ivoire
As a reward for winning their group, Mexico get to remain at home as they welcome Cote d’Ivoire to the Estadio Azteca! Mexico were comfortable in their group, showcasing their class against lesser teams at home, whilst Cote d’Ivoire managed to get through a group that contained both Ecuador and Germany (albeit in third place)! I really rate Ivory Coast as a defensive team; I think they’re genuinely one of the hardest teams to break down in this tournament, but in Mexico City, I can’t see anything other than another win for the home heroes!
My Prediction: 1-0
England VS Norway
It’s the battle of the centre forwards as Harry Kane’s England take on Erling Haaland’s Norway! Whilst they weren’t comfortable, England were able to scrape through as Group L winners, whilst Norway enter the Last 32 as the best third-place team in the tournament! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I think Norway are a very good team, and they can beat absolutely anyone when Haaland and Martin Odegaard are on it! I think this is a team who can absolutely go far this summer, but in these predictions, picking them to beat England would be a stretch!
My Prediction: 3-2
Argentina VS Uruguay
It’s an all-South American tie in our next Second Round game as Argentina take on Uruguay in Miami! I expect Argentina to be too strong for the three teams in their group, whilst I’d be surprised to see Uruguay beat Spain to top spot in Group H! Now, there is more of a chance of Uruguay beating Argentina due to them being from the same continent, but it’s worth pointing out that Uruguay have only won once in their last 9 meetings with the reigning World Champions (November 2023)! Honestly, I wouldn’t expect that to change here; Argentina are the stronger side!
My Prediction: 2-0
United States VS IR Iran
United States and IR Iran, two teams that finished second in their respective groups, will get the opportunity to face each other in Dallas, Texas, for a spot in the Last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Unlike the United States, I do have IR Iran to go unbeaten in the group stages, and I think that this is a pretty difficult game to call! The pressure is fully on the US, with them being one of the three hosts at this summer's tournament, and you also have to remember that this would be Iran’s first-ever World Cup Knockout game! And then you factor in all of the outside noise; this is going to be can’t miss! Ultimately, I’m picking USA to beat Iran, but only on penalties!
My Prediction: 1-1 (United States Win on Penalties)
Switzerland VS Egypt
Egypt are set for their first-ever World Cup Knockout game when they take on Group B Winners Switzerland! Switzerland managed to top their group with 3 victories to their name, whilst 4 points was enough for Egypt to get through as the third-best third-place team! I feel that Egypt may actually be the best team that the Swiss have played at this World Cup so far; they certainly are rankings-wise, but even still, I’d expect Switzerland to end up victorious in this one!
My Prediction: 2-0
Portugal VS Panama
The final game of the Second Round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees Panama look to stun Portugal in Kansas City! Goal Difference is ultimately a deciding factor in both teams entering this game, with Portugal winning their group over Colombia because of it, whilst Panama managed to sneak in as the final third-place team, even with a negative GD! Heading into this tournament, Panama had done nothing but lose on the world’s biggest stage, so them making it out of their group is history in itself! History that’s going to have to be built from here, as I can’t see any chance of Panama getting past the Portuguese!
My Prediction: 3-0
Last 16:
Ecuador VS France
The first match of the Round of 16 sees Ecuador collide with France in a game that could be risky for both! I have no doubt that Group E and Group I are the two strongest groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and I have both of these teams winning their respective groups! So, as you can already tell, I rate both Ecuador and France pretty highly, and I think this game will end up being tight, tense, and low-scoring! In the end, though, I just can’t see France going out this early!
My Prediction: 0-1
South Korea VS Netherlands
Following their first World Cup Knockout victory since 2002, can South Korea go any further when they take on the Netherlands? This is the 4th-time in South Korea’s history that they’ve made it to the Last 16 at the FIFA World Cup, whilst this would make it 12/12 for the Netherlands when it comes to making it to this stage of the competition! In the end, I would expect the Dutch to progress here!
My Prediction: 1-3
Colombia VS Spain
The 2024 Copa America Runners-Up, Colombia, take on the 2024 European Champions, Spain, in another great CONMEBOL VS UEFA matchup! Colombia remain unbeaten so far in this tournament, despite playing both Portugal and Croatia, whilst Spain are still yet to concede a goal! To be honest, in a similar way to France before, Spain are rightly one of the favourites for this tournament, but that doesn’t mean that they’re invincible against a team as strong as Colombia! However, in the end, Spain will just about manage to survive!
My Prediction: 1-1 (Spain Win on Penalties)
Turkiye VS Belgium
A team from Pot 4 takes on a team from Pot 1 as Turkiye and Belgium clash in Seattle! Both Turkiye and Belgium enter this round undefeated, but it’s worth noting that neither team has exactly played a super strong team at this point! In some ways, you could argue that that’s changing here, but you could also argue that it’s not, depending on how highly you rate Belgium! Either way, I would say that Turkiye is Belgium’s biggest test to date, whilst the same can be said for the other way around! In the end, it may surprise you, but I actually think Turkiye will win this game; I don’t think Belgium are good enough!
My Prediction: 2-1
Morocco VS Senegal
You could say that this match was destiny, as Morocco and Senegal collide in a rematch from January’s African Cup of Nations Final! Morocco managed to top a group that included Brazil, whilst Senegal are still unbeaten, despite the fact that they’ve faced France, Norway, and Germany! Less than 4 years ago, Morocco made history by making it to the Semi-Finals at Qatar 2022, whilst Senegal are playing just their 5th Knockout game at the FIFA World Cup! We then, of course, have to bring up what went down in January, with Senegal winning the game in Extra Time, only for the result to be overturned due to their players leaving the pitch before Brahim Diaz took his penalty (in normal time)! So, in the end, I’m actually going to say that Senegal will knock Morocco out, mostly because I can’t see them not getting revenge!
My Prediction: 1-2
Mexico VS England
Mexico’s final home game of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign sees England enter a hostile Estadio Azteca! Mexico have four wins from four so far this summer, whilst England remain unbeaten! England are actually aiming to make it to their 5th-straight Major Tournament Quarter-Finals, whilst Mexico are the reigning back-to-back CONCACAF Gold Cup Champions! Without a doubt, England are the stronger team, both in terms of ranking and overall quality! Despite that, I’m well aware that I haven’t pulled out a major upset yet, so given that Mexico haven’t lost at home since 2018, I’m having England to bow out early!
My Prediction: 2-1
Argentina VS United States
The reigning World Champions Argentina take on tournament hosts the United States in Atlanta, Georgia! Argentina have breezed their way through this tournament so far, whilst the United States have only achieved 1 win (in 90 minutes)! However, that doesn’t exactly matter as the US would happily win penalty shootouts all the time if it meant they eventually lifted Championship glory! In the end, though, I firmly expect Argentina to put an end to the American Dream!
My Prediction: 3-0
Switzerland VS Portugal
The final game of the Last 16 coincides with the last game in Canada as Switzerland take on Portugal at the BC Place in Vancouver! After topping their respective groups, both Switzerland and Portugal were able to comfortably win their Second-Round matches, and I want to turn your attention to the fact that these two teams faced one another at this stage in Qatar 4 years ago! On that occasion, Portugal decimated the Swiss 6-1! The biggest compliment I can give Switzerland is they’re one of the few teams that’re actually consistent; this would be their 7th-straight Last 16 appearance at a Major Tournament, and they’re coming off the back of a Quarter-Final appearance at Euro 2024! However, whilst they’re consistent, part of that consistency is the Swiss struggle to take the next step, a step that Portugal took a while ago!
My Prediction: 2-3
Quarter-Finals:
France VS Netherlands
The first of four Quarter-Final matchups takes place in Foxborough, Massachusetts as France take on the Netherlands at Gillette Stadium! France are just two wins away from making their third-straight World Cup Final, whilst this would be the Netherlands’ 8th World Cup Quarter-Final appearance! The Netherlands are always competitive; they always tend to go far, but can they beat France? Just like 4 years ago, I have the Dutch losing on penalties to the Number 1 team in the tournament!
My Prediction: 2-2 (France Win on Penalties)
Spain VS Turkiye
After previously competing against one another in World Cup Qualifying, Spain and Turkiye do battle for a place in the 2026 World Cup Final 4! Both of these teams are still unbeaten to this point, with Spain back at the Quarter-Final stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time since they won it back in 2010! As for Turkiye, this would serve as just their second Quarter-Final appearance on the world’s biggest stage, but it would also be following on from them appearing in the QF at Euro 2024! Having Turkiye to beat Belgium was probably one of the shocks of the tournament so far, but I think defeating Spain is perhaps a step too far!
My Prediction: 2-1
Senegal VS Mexico
Mexico will no longer have the full luxury of home-field advantage when they head to Miami to take on Senegal! This is a historic occasion for both teams, with both countries matching their previous-best World Cup performances! Senegal’s one and only World Cup Quarter-Final appearance came in 2002, whilst Mexico have been here twice; 1970 and 1986! Now, if you remember back to my Preview Article, I stated that both of those two tournaments happened in Mexico, so this team is pretty good at taking advantage of being the hosts! Unfortunately for Mexico, this game is taking place in the United States, the first time that they’ve had to deal with that this tournament! For me, Mexico need to be playing at their home stadium, because Senegal are simply better!
My Prediction: 2-0
Argentina VS Portugal
At the ages of 38 and 41 respectively, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are finally set to clash on the biggest of stages as Argentina and Portugal scrap for the final place in this summer’s World Cup Semi-Finals! Out of the two, I would definitely say that Portugal had the harder group, but I think Argentina’s knockout ties were slightly trickier! Having said that, Switzerland aren’t easy to beat at all! Argentina have achieved the Copa America-World Cup-Copa America Championship run since 2021, whilst Portugal defeated Spain on penalties in last year’s UEFA Nations League Final! Whilst the talk will heavily be about Messi VS Ronaldo, the amount of quality in both of these teams is astounding, and they know that the trophy is there for the taking! In the end, I’m going to take a gamble and say that Portugal knock out the reigning Champions!
My Prediction: 2-3
Semi-Finals:
France VS Spain
Arguably the two best teams in the world are fighting over 1 spot in the Final as France take on Spain at AT&T Stadium! In fairness, both teams have had to work hard to get here, particularly in the Last 16 where they faced strong South American forces in the form of Ecuador and Colombia respectively! France are aiming to make it to their third-straight World Cup Final, whilst Spain are trying to do what they did in 2010: win the World Cup after they became European Champions! I honestly think that this game comes down to a toss of the coin, like I really don’t have much to split them! In the end, Spain were easily the best team at Euro 2024, but France almost feel inevitable!
My Prediction: 2-1
Senegal VS Portugal
Well, I’m telling you this now; you won’t find a Senegal-Portugal Semi-Final Prediction anywhere else! Both of these teams have managed to remain unbeaten so far in this tournament, with Senegal already having faced France, Norway, Germany, Morocco, and Mexico! Of course, it’s not been plain sailing for Portugal either, with Colombia, Switzerland, and Argentina all presenting pretty big challenges! Amazingly, this would be the first time in Senegal’s history that they’ve made the Final 4 at the FIFA World Cup, whilst Portugal are still yet to make the Final! I’ll keep saying it; Senegal are entering this tournament with a vengeance, but unlike 4 years ago, I don’t believe that Portugal are going to slip up against African opposition!
My Prediction: 1-2
Third Place Playoff: Spain VS Senegal
It’s everyone’s least favourite Football match; the World Cup Third-Place Playoff! In fairness, Senegal will be a lot happier to be here than Spain, with a win for them meaning they actually bettered Morocco’s result from 4 years ago! Fun fact: this would also be Spain’s first appearance in this game, and even though they’ll probably rotate the side, I still think Spain will come out victorious (for what it’s worth)!
My Prediction: 2-0
2026 FIFA World Cup Final: France VS Portugal
After 39 days and 103 matches, the 104th game, the most important one of all, takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as France and Portugal battle it out for FIFA World Cup glory! France have made it to the Final with an unbeaten record and an aggregate score of 17-7, whilst Portugal’s unbeaten record has seen them end up with a tournament aggregate score of 19-7! France are former 2-time World Champions; this would be their third-straight World Cup Final, and I think it’s finally time to mention that this will be their final tournament led by Didier Deschamps, someone who’s been in charge of the French National Team since 2012! On the other side, Portugal have never become World Champions; this is the one thing that’s missing from Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious trophy cabinet, but we should remember that Portugal’s one and only major tournament victory came in 2016! In that Final, they beat France… in France! In a very similar way to both the NFL and the Champions League earlier this year, you could argue that the Final has already been won, because the best team knocked out the other best team in the Semis! Honestly, if you asked me to pick one team to win this World Cup, I’d most likely say France! However, I picked them to win the Euros two years ago, and they didn’t, so you know what, I’m backing Portugal; it’s Ronaldo’s destiny!
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