World Cup 2026 predictions

Tournament opener at the Azteca. Both sides will be cautious, Mexico under home pressure, Bafana well-drilled under Broos. The opening match rarely produces goals.

Prediction: 1-1 draw. Both sides happy to take a point from a tight, tactical opener.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Bafana Bafana double chance.

A technical battle between two sides that play through midfield. South Korea’s Son and a young Czech attack should find space against each other’s lines.

Prediction: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic. Korean pace decides it.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Player prop: Heung-min Son anytime goalscorer.

Canada open at home with a real chance to set the group tone. Bosnia have quality up top but their defensive transition has been a problem in qualifying.

Prediction: Canada 2-1 Bosnia. Davies-led wide play makes the difference.

Tip: Canada to win & Both teams to score. Player prop: Jonathan David to score.

USA at home with a friendly opener. Paraguay are disciplined defensively but rarely create much — expect a controlled USA win without an open game.

Prediction: USA 2-0 Paraguay. Home dominance, clean sheet.

Tip: USA to win & Both teams to score, no. Player prop: Christian Pulisic to score or assist.

Switzerland start clear favourites. Qatar have shown they can frustrate at major tournaments but lack the firepower to threaten a well-organised European side away from home.

Prediction: Switzerland 2-0 Qatar. Methodical and routine.

Tip: Switzerland to win & Under 3.5 goals. Alternative: Switzerland -1 handicap.

The standout opening-round tie. Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run proved they punish elite sides; Brazil’s wide attackers should still find a way through with possession dominance.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco. Hard-fought, both score.

Tip: Brazil to win & Both teams to score. Player prop: Vinicius Jr anytime goalscorer.

Scotland get a winnable opener against tournament debutants Haiti. Clarke’s side have the European-quality midfield to dominate possession and the set-piece threat to break Haiti down.

Prediction: Scotland 3-0 Haiti. Comfortable from start to finish.

Tip: Scotland -1 handicap. Bet Builder: Scotland to win + Over 2.5 + Clean sheet.

Turkey’s emerging generation (Yildiz, Guler) against Australia’s tournament-hardened collective. The Aussies will defend deep; Turkey’s creators should find the way through.

Prediction: Turkey 2-1 Australia. Late Turkish winner.

Tip: Turkey to win & Over 1.5 goals. Player prop: Kenan Yildiz to score or assist.

Curacao’s World Cup debut against a Germany side that needs a fast start. Expect Nagelsmann’s team to press high and put the game away inside the first hour.

Prediction: Germany 4-0 Curacao. Routine but emphatic.

Tip: Germany -2 handicap. Bet Builder: Germany to win + Over 3.5 + Clean sheet.

One of the better opening-round watches. Japan’s aggressive press will trouble a Dutch side that likes to play through the lines; both attacks should fire.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Japan. Tight but goals at both ends.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Bet Builder: Netherlands to win + BTTS + Over 2.5.

Reigning AFCON champions against a well-coached Ecuador side. Both like to control through midfield rather than open the game up; low-scoring grind looks likeliest.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-1 Ecuador. Honours even.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw at half-time.

Sweden’s rebuild has been gradual but Isak gives them top-end quality up top. Tunisia are disciplined but rarely score — one moment of Swedish class should be enough.

Prediction: Sweden 1-0 Tunisia. Cagey, single Isak goal.

Tip: Sweden to win & Under 2.5. Player prop: Alexander Isak to score.

Cape Verde’s World Cup debut against the European champions. Spain’s control should be total; the only question is the margin.

Prediction: Spain 3-0 Cape Verde. Yamal and Williams to shine.

Tip: Spain to win to nil. Player prop: Lamine Yamal to score or assist.

Belgium are mid-transition but their attack still wins games. Egypt with Salah is always live in the goalscorer markets — goals at both ends look likely.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt. Salah scores in defeat.

Tip: Both teams to score & Over 2.5. Player prop: Mohamed Salah anytime goalscorer.

Saudi Arabia famously beat Argentina in 2022 but Uruguay are a tougher tactical proposition. Bielsa’s side play with intensity — expect them to control and convert.

Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 Saudi Arabia. Bielsa’s structure tells.

Tip: Uruguay -1 handicap. Player prop: Darwin Nunez to score.

Two defensive sides — Iran the more experienced, New Zealand always physical but limited in the final third. Iran should edge it through patience.

Prediction: Iran 1-0 New Zealand. Low-scoring win.

Tip: Iran to win & Under 2.5. Alternative: Draw at half-time.

One of the best opening-round watches. France have arguably the deepest attack at the tournament; Senegal carry pace and a real African pedigree.

Prediction: France 2-0 Senegal. Mbappé settles it before half-time.

Tip: France to win & BTTS no. Player prop: Kylian Mbappé to score 2+ goals.

Iraq are a tournament dark horse but they meet a Norway side with two of the world’s best players in their lane. Haaland and Odegaard should overwhelm.

Prediction: Norway 3-1 Iraq. Two-goal Haaland day.

Tip: Erling Haaland to score 2+ goals. Bet Builder: Norway to win + Over 2.5 + Haaland to score.

Defending champions begin their campaign against an Algerian side built around discipline. Argentina’s patience and Messi’s threat should pick the lock.

Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Algeria. Comfortable champions opener.

Tip: Argentina to win & BTTS no. Player prop: Lionel Messi to score or assist.

Austria’s organised attack against tournament debutants Jordan. The gap in quality is significant; expect Austria to put it out of reach in the second half.

Prediction: Austria 3-0 Jordan. Routine.

Tip: Austria -1 handicap. Player prop: Marko Arnautovic to score.

Portugal start with a winnable but not trivial opener. DR Congo are physical and have AFCON-level talent — Portugal will need patience but the firepower wins out.

Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo. Open but never in doubt.

Tip: Portugal to win & Over 2.5 goals. Player prop: Bruno Fernandes to score or assist.

Rematch of the 2018 semi-final. England under Tuchel are more pragmatic; Croatia’s midfield remains elite but ageing. Tactical chess at this stage.

Prediction: England 1-1 Croatia. Tournament opener that frustrates both sides.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw & BTTS.

Ghana’s pace and width should be too much for Panama. Both sides need a win after starting against bigger names; Ghana the more dangerous on the ball.

Prediction: Ghana 2-1 Panama. Tight but Ghana edge it.

Tip: Ghana to win. Bet Builder: Ghana to win + Over 1.5 + BTTS.

Colombia’s technical quality should overwhelm Asian debutants Uzbekistan. James Rodriguez-era patience converts to a comfortable result.

Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Uzbekistan. Routine victory.

Tip: Colombia -1 handicap. Player prop: Luis Diaz to score or assist.

Bafana Bafana’s second match and a real chance to take points. The Czechs play through the middle, exactly the area Broos’s sit-deep system is designed to suffocate.

Prediction: Czech Republic 1-1 Bafana Bafana. Bafana hold on.

Tip: Bafana Bafana double chance. Bet Builder: Under 2.5 + Both teams to score, no.

Two European sides who know each other well from qualifying. Switzerland’s organisation should overcome Bosnia’s reliance on individual moments.

Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Bosnia. Swiss class shows.

Tip: Switzerland to win & BTTS. Alternative: Swiss to win to nil.

Canada at home against the tournament’s weakest side on paper. Expect total control and a margin of two or more goals.

Prediction: Canada 3-0 Qatar. Routine but emphatic.

Tip: Canada -1 handicap. Bet Builder: Canada to win + Over 2.5 + Clean sheet.

Mexico’s second match and a real test. South Korea’s European-quality midfield and Son’s threat will stretch a Mexican side carrying home expectation.

Prediction: Mexico 2-1 South Korea. Open game, home advantage tells.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Player prop: Heung-min Son anytime goalscorer.

USA at home against an Australian side that thrives on physicality but lacks top-end creativity. The hosts should control through Pulisic and Reyna.

Prediction: USA 2-0 Australia. Home dominance, qualification close.

Tip: USA to win & Under 3.5. Bet Builder: USA to win + Pulisic to score + BTTS no.

Morocco are the better side and they know it. Scotland will be physical and direct but lack the technical quality to break Morocco’s shape over 90 minutes.

Prediction: Morocco 2-1 Scotland. Hakimi influences.

Tip: Morocco to win. Player prop: Achraf Hakimi to score or assist.

One-way traffic. Haiti are tournament debutants meeting one of the favourites at full tilt — expect Brazil to put the result out of sight inside an hour.

Prediction: Brazil 4-0 Haiti. Goal-fest.

Tip: Brazil -2 handicap. Bet Builder: Brazil to win + Over 3.5 + Clean sheet.

Turkey’s creators against Paraguay’s defensive block. Yildiz and Guler have the variety to unlock the deepest of low blocks; one moment should be enough.

Prediction: Turkey 2-1 Paraguay.

Tip: Turkey to win & Over 1.5. Player prop: Arda Guler to score or assist.

Group-stage decider for both. Netherlands’s control and quality should be the difference, but Isak gives Sweden a real punch on the counter.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Sweden.

Tip: Netherlands to win & Over 2.5. Player prop: Cody Gakpo to score.

Real test for Germany. Ivory Coast are AFCON champions and carry pace through Haller and Pepe — Nagelsmann’s side should still have too much technical quality.

Prediction: Germany 2-0 Ivory Coast.

Tip: Germany -1 handicap. Player prop: Florian Wirtz to score or assist.

Curacao’s second match and they meet a CONMEBOL-tested Ecuador side. Expect a controlled, sensible Ecuadorian performance with a clean sheet in sight.

Prediction: Ecuador 2-0 Curacao.

Tip: Ecuador -1 handicap. Bet Builder: Ecuador to win + Clean sheet + Under 3.5.

Japan’s European-based core has too much technical quality for Tunisia. Mitoma and Kubo should find consistent space; tournament-quality counter-press will tell.

Prediction: Japan 2-0 Tunisia.

Tip: Japan to win & Under 3.5. Player prop: Kaoru Mitoma to score or assist.

The reigning European champions against a defensive Saudi side. Spain’s possession monopoly should yield comfortable goals; only the margin is in doubt.

Prediction: Spain 3-0 Saudi Arabia.

Tip: Spain to win to nil. Player prop: Lamine Yamal to score or assist.

Iran will sit deep against a Belgian side that struggles to break down compact defences when De Bruyne is missing the cutting edge. Patient, low-scoring win for Belgium.

Prediction: Belgium 1-0 Iran.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Belgium to win & BTTS no.

Cape Verde’s second match against Bielsa’s organised Uruguay. The South Americans should keep this clean and put it to bed in the second half.

Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 Cape Verde.

Tip: Uruguay to win to nil. Player prop: Darwin Nunez to score.

Salah-driven Egypt against a physical but limited New Zealand. The Egyptians’ technical edge through the middle should yield a comfortable result.

Prediction: Egypt 2-0 New Zealand.

Tip: Egypt to win & Salah to score. Bet Builder: Egypt -1 + Salah anytime + Under 3.5.

Austria’s biggest test. Argentina’s control will be near-total; Austria’s only path is to defend deep and steal a moment. Champions to seal qualification.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria.

Tip: Argentina to win. Player prop: Lionel Messi to score or assist.

France should put this to bed early. Iraq are organised but lack the firepower to threaten Maignan; expect France to rotate after a comfortable lead is established.

Prediction: France 3-0 Iraq.

Tip: France -2 handicap. Player prop: Kylian Mbappé to score 2+ goals.

One of the most balanced fixtures of the group stage. Senegal’s pace against Norway’s Haaland-led attack — both teams have the players to score.

Prediction: Norway 2-1 Senegal.

Tip: Both teams to score. Bet Builder: Norway to win + Haaland to score + BTTS.

Algeria’s AFCON pedigree against Jordan’s tournament debut. The North Africans should win this on quality if not by a huge margin.

Prediction: Algeria 2-0 Jordan.

Tip: Algeria to win & Under 3.5. Player prop: Riyad Mahrez to score or assist.

Portugal need a strong performance and Uzbekistan don’t have the defensive depth to contain them. Expect Ronaldo’s last World Cup to feature here.

Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan.

Tip: Portugal -2 handicap. Player prop: Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goalscorer.

England need a win and a performance after the Croatia draw. Ghana have pace but England’s individual quality through Bellingham and Saka should overpower.

Prediction: England 3-1 Ghana.

Tip: England to win & Over 2.5. Player prop: Jude Bellingham to score or assist.

Croatia need a result after the England opener. Modric’s midfield quality remains decisive against Panama’s limited press — expect control and a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Panama.

Tip: Croatia to win & Under 3.5. Bet Builder: Croatia to win + Clean sheet + Modric to assist.

Two attacking sides in a must-watch group game. Colombia’s creativity through James and Diaz should win out, but DR Congo’s pace in transition will produce something.

Prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo.

Tip: Colombia to win & Both teams to score. Player prop: Luis Diaz anytime goalscorer.

Group decider. Both teams will be cagey, Canada at home with everything to play for, Switzerland favourites but knowing one moment can flip qualification.

Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Canada.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw at half-time.

Bosnia’s last chance to make a mark — Qatar are likely already eliminated. Expect Bosnia to throw bodies forward and take advantage of a deflated opposition.

Prediction: Bosnia 2-0 Qatar.

Tip: Bosnia to win & Over 1.5. Player prop: Edin Dzeko anytime goalscorer.

Morocco need a result after the Brazil opener and Haiti are the worst opponent they could ask for at this point. Expect Hakimi-led width to overwhelm.

Prediction: Morocco 3-0 Haiti.

Tip: Morocco -1 handicap. Player prop: Achraf Hakimi to score or assist.

Brazil should already be safe through; Scotland need a miracle. Expect Brazil to rotate but the quality gap remains too wide for Scotland to threaten.

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Scotland.

Tip: Brazil -1 handicap. Player prop: Endrick anytime goalscorer.

Decisive match for Bafana Bafana. South Korea’s technical edge will hurt if Bafana chase the game, but they have the pace on the break to threaten Son’s defence.

Prediction: Bafana Bafana 1-1 South Korea.

Tip: Both teams to score. Alternative: Draw & BTTS.

Mexico need a win to be sure of top spot. Czech Republic are decent but Mexico’s home advantage and superior pace should be the deciding factors.

Prediction: Mexico 2-1 Czech Republic.

Tip: Mexico to win & Over 1.5. Player prop: Hirving Lozano to score or assist.

Curacao’s final group game and likely a final goodbye to the tournament. Ivory Coast’s pace and finishing should run riot.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Curacao.

Tip: Ivory Coast -2 handicap. Player prop: Sebastien Haller anytime goalscorer.

Group decider. Germany likely qualified, Ecuador needing a result — tactical chess match, with Germany’s control likely yielding a single decisive moment.

Prediction: Germany 1-1 Ecuador.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw & BTTS no.

Tunisia have nothing to lose against a Dutch side already focused on the knockouts. Netherlands rotate but their bench is still elite.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Tunisia.

Tip: Netherlands to win to nil. Bet Builder: NED to win + Over 1.5 + Clean sheet.

Group decider for second place. Japan’s press meets Sweden’s Isak-led counter — both teams have the goals in them and need a result.

Prediction: Japan 2-1 Sweden.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Bet Builder: Japan to win + Over 2.5 + Mitoma to score.

Group winner showdown. USA at home with the crowd behind them, Turkey with the more creative midfield. Both should score in a real contest.

Prediction: USA 2-2 Turkey.

Tip: Both teams to score & Over 2.5. Player prop: Pulisic or Yildiz to score.

Both sides likely eliminated by this point — expect a flat, low-tempo affair with neither willing to commit men forward.

Prediction: Paraguay 1-1 Australia.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw.

Group-stage heavyweight tie. Haaland vs Mbappé sells itself; both teams have qualified by now but they’ll both want top spot. Goals at both ends are likely.

Prediction: France 2-2 Norway. Honours even.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals & BTTS. Player prop: Both Haaland and Mbappé to score.

Senegal need a result to be sure of progression. Iraq are well-organised but lack the technical quality to live with Senegal’s European-based core.

Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Iraq.

Tip: Senegal -1 handicap. Player prop: Sadio Mane to score or assist.

Both likely eliminated and a clash to define pride. Cape Verde have impressed in qualifying with their attacking ambition; Saudi Arabia struggle when they need to be the better team.

Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi Arabia.

Tip: Cape Verde to win. Bet Builder: Cape Verde to win + Over 2.5 + BTTS.

Group winner clash. Both qualified, both wary of finishing second and a tough Round of 32. Bielsa’s discipline meets Spain’s control — tight, low-scoring.

Prediction: Spain 1-1 Uruguay.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Alternative: Draw at half-time.

Belgium need a clean performance after the cagey Iran result. New Zealand are likely already eliminated — expect Belgium to rotate but win comfortably.

Prediction: Belgium 3-0 New Zealand.

Tip: Belgium to win to nil. Player prop: Romelu Lukaku anytime goalscorer.

Egypt need a win to be sure of second; Iran defending deep is exactly what Salah is best against from open play. Single Egypt goal could be enough.

Prediction: Egypt 1-0 Iran.

Tip: Egypt to win & Under 2.5. Player prop: Mohamed Salah to score.

England can secure top spot and rotate Bellingham. Panama are limited and tired — expect a clean performance and a comfortable margin.

Prediction: England 3-0 Panama.

Tip: England -2 handicap. Player prop: Harry Kane anytime goalscorer.

Croatia need a positive result to seal qualification; Ghana need to win and hope. Modric’s tournament experience and Croatia’s control should be enough.

Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Ghana.

Tip: Croatia to win & Over 2.5. Player prop: Luka Modric to assist.

Group winner showdown. Two of the most talented sides in their respective continents — the depth of attack on both sides means goals are likely.

Prediction: Portugal 2-2 Colombia.

Tip: Both teams to score & Over 2.5. Player prop: Cristiano Ronaldo to score.

Both fighting for the third-place qualification spot. DR Congo’s pace and African experience should edge a low-key but tactical contest.

Prediction: DR Congo 2-1 Uzbekistan.

Tip: DR Congo to win & Over 1.5. Bet Builder: DRC to win + BTTS + Over 2.5.

Decider for second place. Algeria’s pace and big-tournament confidence against Austria’s structure — the African side’s X-factor edges it.

Prediction: Algeria 2-1 Austria.

Tip: Algeria to win. Player prop: Riyad Mahrez to score.

Argentina can rotate but won’t hold back. Jordan are tournament debutants meeting the defending champions — one-way traffic likely.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Jordan.

Tip: Argentina -2 handicap. Player prop: Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer.

Full time: Canada 1–0 South Africa.

The host nation took the first place in the Round of 16. Bafana Bafana defended superbly for 90 minutes, but Stephen Eustaquio struck a 92nd-minute stoppage-time winner, with Alphonso Davies a constant menace from a hybrid wing-back role. A heartbreakingly narrow exit for Hugo Broos's side.

Result: Canada advance to the Round of 16. South Africa eliminated.

Japan's 5-4-1 low block earned a group-stage draw with the Netherlands and they will look to frustrate again. Brazil have the individual quality to break it down, but patience is needed against a disciplined, counter-attacking side.

Prediction: Brazil to advance, 2-1. Star power tells in a tighter game than the scoreline suggests.

Tip: Brazil to win & Over 2.5 goals. Player prop: Vinicius Jr to score or assist.

Germany arrive stung by a 2-1 final-group defeat to Ecuador that exposed their transition defence. Paraguay are ultra-defensive — just two goals in three group games — so expect Germany to dominate possession against a deep block.

Prediction: Germany to advance, 2-0. A professional response to the wake-up call.

Tip: Germany -1 handicap & Under 3.5 goals. Player prop: Jamal Musiala to score or assist.

A heavyweight tactical clash. The Dutch scored 10 goals in the group stage — the tournament's most potent attack — but Morocco have conceded only once, reprising the gritty, deep-defensive identity that carried them to the 2022 semi-finals.

Prediction: Netherlands to advance, 1-0 in extra time. Expect a grind settled by one moment of quality.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Bet Builder: Netherlands to qualify + Under 2.5 + both teams to score, no.

Erling Haaland has been ruthless, converting at a 57% shot-to-goal rate this tournament, and his presence makes Norway lethal. Ivory Coast counter with a balanced, athletic midfield, so Norway will not have it all their own way.

Prediction: Norway to advance, 2-1. Haaland's edge in the box is the difference.

Tip: Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer. Bet Builder: Norway to qualify + Haaland to score + Over 2.5.

France look the tournament's most complete side, topping their group without conceding a goal. Sweden carry an Isak-led punch on the counter but a leaky defence that will struggle to contain Mbappe and France's depth.

Prediction: France to advance, 3-0. The favourites move through comfortably.

Tip: France -1 handicap & to win to nil. Player prop: Kylian Mbappe to score 2+ goals.

Mexico carry the ultimate home advantage at the Azteca and a perfect group record, but Ecuador are red-hot after beating Germany in their final group game. The crowd lifts Mexico, yet Ecuador's form makes this the pick of the round.

Prediction: Mexico to advance on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Too close to call in normal time.

Tip: Draw at 90 minutes & Under 2.5 goals. Bet Builder: Mexico to qualify + Under 2.5.

Thomas Tuchel's England have cruised through largely untroubled. DR Congo are a wonderful story with real pace, but they lack the elite depth to contain Harry Kane and England's midfield over 90 minutes.

Prediction: England to advance, 2-0. Controlled and clinical.

Tip: England -1 handicap & both teams to score, no. Player prop: Harry Kane anytime goalscorer.

Belgium won a competitive Group G but remain defensively vulnerable. Senegal have the pace and power to exploit that if they find their rhythm — expect an open, end-to-end tie.

Prediction: Belgium to advance, 3-2. A thriller the Belgian attack edges.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals & both teams to score. Player prop: Romelu Lukaku to score.

The USMNT set a programme-record 8 goals in the group stage and will be roared on by a raucous Bay Area crowd. Bosnia have quality up top through Dzeko, but the hosts' intensity and home edge should carry them through.

Prediction: USA to advance, 3-1. High tempo, home crowd, clear progression.

Tip: USA to win & Over 2.5 goals. Player prop: Christian Pulisic to score or assist.

Spain were one of only three teams to win all three group games, and the European champions control matches as well as anyone. Austria are organised and dangerous from set pieces, but Spain's possession monopoly should leave them chasing shadows.

Prediction: Spain to advance, 2-0. Methodical and rarely threatened.

Tip: Spain to win to nil. Player prop: Lamine Yamal to score or assist.

Two heavyweight names meet early. Portugal struggled for a clinical edge in the group stage — held 0-0 by Colombia despite heavy possession — while Croatia's elite but ageing midfield still controls tempo. Tactical chess between sides that know each other well.

Prediction: Portugal to advance after extra time, 2-1. Squad depth tells late.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals in 90 minutes. Player prop: Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goalscorer.

Switzerland's organisation and tournament know-how make them favourites, but Algeria's pace and AFCON pedigree give them a genuine puncher's chance on the break. The Swiss structure should ultimately prevail.

Prediction: Switzerland to advance, 2-1. Composure over flair.

Tip: Switzerland to win & both teams to score. Player prop: Breel Embolo to score.