The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to North America this summer. It will be the 23rd running of this tournament, the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and will see an expanded field from 32 to 48 teams. Let’s take a look at who all are competing and how things may play out.
With the expanded format, 8 of the 12 3rd-place teams will qualify for the Knockout Stage. Tiebreakers for this stage are based on goal difference followed by goals scored.
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Winner Prediction Group Breakdown
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Co-Host nation Mexico has been in impressive form, going undefeated in all five matches so far in 2026, including draws in the last two vs Portugal & Belgium. Having won the Nations League & Gold Cup in 2025, this seems like Mexico’s group to lose.
Making their first appearance since hosting in 2010, South Africa edged out Nigeria and Benin by one point to win their CAF group qualifying for World Cup. Their return to the global stage hopes to continue progress for this African nation.
An 11th consecutive World Cup appearance will take place this summer for South Korea. Undefeated in qualifying matches, they bring a well-balanced squad and pose a real threat in the knockout stage.
It took two penalty shootouts in March for Czechia to qualify for their first World Cup in 20yrs. Runners-up in 1934 & 1962, this European side will hope their luck continues and spring an upset in the Group Stage.
It’s easy to see Mexico kicking off the tournament in Mexico City with a win over South Africa ultimately taking the group. South Korea to be undefeated as well, while Czechia is one of the 3rd place teams to advance.
Prediction: Mexico (7), Korea Republic (5), Czechia (4), South Africa (0)
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Injuries may play a factor when Canada kicks off their tournament in Toronto as captain Alphonso Davies deals with a hamstring injury after coming back
from a major ACL injury last year. Promise David, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alistair Johnston are also dealing with injuries in the lead-up to the World Cup, which could spell trouble for the co-host nation, who look to make a run in the tournament.
Having played spoiler to Italy and Bosnia, Herzegovina has qualified for their second ever World Cup. Advancing on penalties vs. Wales and Italy in March, this group will look for the good times to carry on and cause a bit of chaos this summer.
2022 host nation Qatar proved to be a competitive bunch, defeating the United Arab Emirates in October, securing their spot in the World Cup for the first time. Competitive matches are to be expected from them in the Group Stage. “Consistent” and “disciplined” are what come to mind when Switzerland takes the field. Undefeated in their group to qualify, they look to advance to the knockout stage for the 9th time in their history and fourth tournament in a row.
Switzerland should have no issues leading this group and could possibly win every match in this stage. Bosnia & Herzegovina battle it out for runner up with Canada and carry the momentum to take second on goal differential after drawing the opening matchup but for Canada to still advance.
Prediction: Switzerland (9), Bosnia & Herz. (4), Canada (4), Qatar (0)
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Five-time winners Brazil under notable manager Carlo Ancelotti hope star player Vinicius Jr. can lead this team to the finals for the first time since 2002. Although a somewhat tough group, they should have no trouble advancing. One of the best teams in Africa, Morocco will look to follow up their historic 2022 semi finals run with another this time around. After a controversial ending to the Africa Cup of Nations which saw the result be overturned months later in their favor, topping a group with Brazil may silence any naysayers.
A team on the rise in recent years, Scotland will make their return to the World Cup for the first time this century after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark
which saw two goals scored in extra time to secure their spot. They’ll look to ride this wave of momentum in the knockout stage.
Making their second appearance and first since 1974, Haiti will be looking to earn their first point in the competition after going winless in their only prior appearance. Ranked second worst amongst teams qualified and with a tough draw, the Haitian side will look to spring a surprise in these tough outings.
In a slight upset, it wouldn’t be shocking for Morocco to defeat Brazil in their opening match to take the group with Brazil just one point behind them. Scotland advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in their country’s history.
Prediction: Morocco (7), Brazil (6), Scotland (4), Haiti (0)
Prediction: Morocco (7), Brazil (6), Scotland (4), Haiti (0)
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Last of the co-host nations, United States will hope home advantage plays in their favor, as heavy expectations have been placed on their performance in the tournament this year. Could this be the year we see them win their first knockout game since their only other win in the nation’s history back in 2002? Recent outings vs. Portugal & Belgium left a lot to be desired.
Qualifying for the first time since their Quarter-Final appearance in 2010, Paraguay has rebuilt around a new generation of players hoping to return the nation’s team past the knockout stages as has been expected in previous appearances. Disciplined defensively, they look to be a tough out in every match.
Now regulars at this tournament, Australia have qualified for their 6th consecutive World Cup after an impressive 11-4-1 record in qualification matches. They’ll look to repeat their success in 2022 and once again advance past the Group Stage.
One of the last countries to qualify, Turkey looks to make an impact in a group open for the taking. Young stars Kenan Yildiz & Arda Guler mixed with veteran leader and team captain Hakan Calhanoglu will hope to build upon a
Quarter-finals Euro 2024 appearance and qualify for the knockout stage for just the second time in this country’s history.
In what should be a tightly contested group, it’s hard to predict how things will play out. Turkey to ultimately come out on top with both the United States & Australia moving on from the Group Stage certainly seems like a plausible scenario.
Prediction: Turkey (7), USA (4), Australia (3), Paraguay (1)
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
A global powerhouse undergoing a generational transition of late, Joshua Kimmich & Ilkay Gundogan alongside rising stars Jamal Musiala & Florian Wirtz look to lead the four time World Cup winners on a deep run this summer. Having failed to advance out of Group Play since their win in 2014, could this be the year the trophy returns to Europe?
The smallest country, population-wise, to ever qualify for a World Cup is Curacao. Having gone undefeated in their CONCACAF group to secure qualification, the Caribbean island nation is one of four countries making their World Cup debut this summer.
After an eight-year hiatus from the competition, Ivory Coast looks to live up to the reputation as one of Africa’s powerhouse teams and advance to the Knockout Stage for the first time in their history. Former Barcelona midfielder Frank Yannick will look to captain his nation to new heights in what should prove to be a competitive group.
Ecuador enters the tournament as dark-horse contenders capable of pulling off a few surprises. Having appeared in the tournament four times prior, each entry was seen with at least one win. If they find their form, don’t be surprised to see them advance in the knockout stages.
In one of the tougher groups on paper, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Germany struggle to break away from the group, allowing Ivory Coast to
emerge as leaders. Ecuador should be one of the better teams to advance from that third-place spot.
Prediction: Ivory Coast (7), Germany (5), Ecuador (4), Curaçao (0)
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
One of Europe’s more complete squads looks to lift the iconic trophy this summer as the Netherlands strives to make it back to the finals for the first time since 2010. Captain for club and country, Virgil van Dijk will lead this talented nation to further cement their World Cup history.
2022 could be considered Japan’s peak performance in a World Cup thus far. Two 2-1 comeback wins over European giants Germany & Spain saw Japan place first in the group, and they will look to do much of the same this time around. Japan looks to be one of AFC’s strongest contenders this summer.
Prediction: Japan (7), Netherlands (7), Sweden (3), Tunisia (0)
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium looks for a new identity, moving on from what was deemed the “golden generation,” whose best result came as a third-place finish in 2018. After an early exit in the 2024 EUROs at the hands of France, the Red Devils shouldn’t have much issue leading this group.
Long gaps between World Cup appearances mean Egypt will fight for their first win in the nation’s history at the tournament. Led by the Egyptian King, Mo Salah will look to leave his mark after a strong qualification run.
Iran will make it four consecutive World Cup appearances, hoping this is the year they make it out of the Group Stage. With a win in both 2018 & 2022, this could be the year they put it all together for a historic moment.
The lowest-ranked nation in this year’s World Cup belongs to New Zealand, at 85. To make matters worse, they are currently dealing with a knee injury to
Forward and team captain Chris Wood. While he is expected to be ready for the tournament, he will be monitored closely. The nation will look for their first win at the World Cup.
It would be surprising to see any team other than Belgium take first here. Matchday 3 between Iran & Egypt should prove pivotal, as it will be hard for the third palace team in this group to advance. New Zealand will look to play spoilers along the way.
Prediction: Belgium (7), Egypt (6), Iran (3), New Zealand (1)
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Having won in 2010, Spain has failed to relive close to that run as of late with Round of 16 exits in both 2018 & 2022. Things look to change this time around, though, as Spain is coming off a first-place finish in the 2024 EUROs over England and is currently the betting favorite to win this summer. 18yo Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal will hopefully be ready to go in June after injuring his hamstring in April.
Another club making their debuts is Cape Verde. The second smallest nation by population to qualify, they set the record for the smallest country by area at just over 4,000 km². The previous record was held by Trinidad and Tobago in 2026.
Saudi Arabia is starting to become a regular in the World Cup, qualifying for the third time in a row and seven of the last nine. They will look to shock the world again after defeating eventual winner Argentina in their opening match in 2022.
First ever World Cup winners Uruguay have been trending in the wrong direction since their fourth place finish in 2010, failing to make it out of Group Stage in the previous tournament. Placing third in the 2024 Copa America, the South American side looks to get back to their winning ways.
Spain and Uruguay shouldn’t face much issue qualifying for the group. It could be hard for Saudi Arabia to advance due to a possible goal differential as a result of playing Spain.
Prediction: Spain (9), Uruguay (6), Saudi Arabia (3), Cabo Verde (0)
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
France enters the World Cup as the top-ranked team in the world. Having last lost 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League Final to Spain, France comes into this tournament having made the past two finals, winning in 2018. With elite individuals such as Kylian Mbappe & recent Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, the French side has to like their chances to make it a third straight final.
Having been stripped of the AFCON Title, Senegal enter this tournament with a chip on their shoulder. Marking just their fourth appearance, the African nation has advanced twice prior and looks to prove why many consider this to be the group of death.
There will be no easy matchups for Iraq in June, as they have qualified for their second World Cup, first since 1986, and have been given a tall task. Well deserving of their spot, Iraq played over 20 matches to secure qualification. An underdog pick by many, Norway looks to cause havoc across North America this summer behind prolific goal scorer Erling Haaland. This will be the first appearance since 1998 for the Nordic country.
It’s hard to see France losing before the Semi-Finals, but a draw could take place if they perform well in the opening games. Senegal & Norway should compete tightly for second and third, with both moving on.
Prediction: France (9), Senegal (4), Norway (4), Iraq (0)
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
In what will most likely be the last World Cup appearance for one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi will look to go back-to-back with Argentina for the first time since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 & 1962. Winning every match en route to their record-setting 16th Copa America two years ago, the South American side are poised for another deep run.
Team captain Riyad Mahrez has taken club success and translated it to help bring Algeria back to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. They will look to create dynamic wing play in hopes of securing a knockout appearance. Austria will look to recreate the success their country had in the early days of the World Cup, returning to the world game after six straight failed qualifications. A country on the rise, positive results this summer could prove beneficial for years to come.
The third country making their debut this summer comes by way of the AFC having seen Jordan place second in their group to secure qualification over Iraq at the time. This was the 11th attempt, which saw them finally achieve the historic goal.
The reigning champs should see little issue advancing, while Algeria & Austria look to capitalize on the expanded field in qualifying for the next stage.
Argentina (7), Algeria (4), Austria (4), Jordan (1)
Group K: Portugal , DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Another legend of the game has his eyes set on the last piece to what will be a historic career. European icon Cristiano Ronaldo should secure a roster spot, but his role may be different than what we’ve been used to. Coming off the bench in the Nations League, CR7 will look to make an impact when given the chance for a Portugal side that will look to make it into the semi-finals for the first time since 2006.
DR Congo will return to the World Cup after their lone appearance in 1974, when they were known as Zaire. This came about after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time. Strong support will back this squad in their long-awaited return. The fourth and final debutant nation is that of Uzbekistan. The highest ranked of the four debut nations, the ambitious bunch will look to make an immediate impact against tough competition.
After missing out in 2022, the always exciting Colombian side will return to the World Cup with knockout stage ambition. A lethal attack led by Luis Diaz & Jhon Arias; for those wanting to know what this team is capable of just look up James Rodriguez performances in the 2014 World Cup.
Far be it from a walk in the park, Portugal should be able to top the group with Colombia trailing them slightly. With tough matchups vs the former two nations the head-to-head1 matchup of Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan could determine who places third and aims for further qualification.
Prediction: Portugal (9), Colombia (4), Congo DR (3), Uzbekistan (1)
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Winners from when they hosted this tournament in 1966, England will look to hoist the trophy once more behind the legs of the nation’s top goal scorer and captain, Harry Kane. The recent draw to Uruguay and loss at Wembley to Japan do not show the promise of the expectation England has entering the World Cup.
Runners-up in 2018 and third place winner in 2022, Croatia look to continue these historic runs at the World Cup. Led by legendary playmaker Luka Modric, they will have a semifinals appearance in their sights when they kick off vs. England in the opening match.
After setting the bar high, advancing past Group Stage in their first two World Cup appearances in 2006 & 2010, Ghana have failed to replicate that early success in 2014 & 2022, generating just one win. Facing tougher competition in the buildup up but losing to Germany, Austria, South Korea, and Japan all since November, they need to find tactical consistency if they want results this summer.
Panama returned to the competition after making their debut in 2018. Having beaten the United States in the 2024 Copa America, the Central American side will look to build upon recent success and earn their first point in World Cup history.
If either Croatia or England can win the opening match, it should be expected they end up first in the group. With the recent form of England, backing Croatia seems to be the play. Panama should be able to earn at least one point, but it’s hard to see either them or Ghana advancing.
Prediction: Croatia (9), England (6), Panama (3), Ghana (0)
Finals Prediction
In what would be a repeat of the 2018 final, France will once again defeat Croatia and win the World Cup for a third time. They are arguably the most complete team in the tournament and will be tough to beat this summer.
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