The 2026 World Cup will be expansive. There are three host nations, and for the first time a whopping 48 teams. It\u2019s all leading up to July 19, when two teams will compete on the outskirts of New York City in the home of the Jets and Giants for a chance to be the international champions of men\u2019s soccer. As we gear up for the World Cup, here are 26 predictions for 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
1 of 26<\/p>\n
The United States only wins one group game<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n Dale Zanine\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nOf the three host nations, on paper the United States is the best team. However, the last couple years have been up and down, and also the United States has the toughest group of the three host teams. We aren\u2019t going to predict which game the U.S. wins, and we aren\u2019t saying the other two games will be losses. We\u2019re just saying the Americans only win one game on its home turf.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n2 of 26<\/p>\n
Lionel Messi<\/a> scores a goal, Cristiano Ronaldo does not <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Lionel](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1370,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/9\/b\/9b56bc1a0c276210cd5d42419f0f50052c7bff75\/lionel-messi-scores-goal-cristiano-ronaldo.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Ron Chenoy\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nMessi and Ronaldo are two all-time greats of the game. Argentina won the last World Cup, and Messi was the best player for the team. While he now plays in MLS, and this is assuredly his last World Cup, we think he scores at least one goal (but probably not more than a couple). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been a goal poacher for Portugal for, oh, six years? He actively hurts the Portuguese team now, and we think he ends this tournament without a goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n3 of 26<\/p>\n
Canada doesn\u2019t win its group<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Canada](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/b\/ebbdd95d7c6fcc4469f8b1248c16c8b84f1756bc\/canada-win-group.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jessica Alcheh\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n The Canadians are a host nation, but Alphonso Davies<\/a> is the one true blue (or true north, as it were) star the team has. Home cooking (poutine, we assume) won\u2019t help the Canadians win the group. Now, they will smash Qatar, because Qatar is a trash squad, but we think the Swiss take Group B. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n4 of 26<\/p>\n
One nation picks up its first World Cup win<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"One](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/2\/c229a7375afd6d78110d18d0e489324d8ca51aad\/one-nation-picks-first-world-cup-win.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Robert Edwards\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nFour nations are playing in their first World Cup. Those teams are Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. That means 12 opportunities for a nation to win in its first World Cup. Plus, there are countries in this tournament that have never won a game previously. Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the same group. That increases the chances of somebody getting a first win.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n5 of 26<\/p>\n
Norway doesn\u2019t make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Norway](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1357,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/1\/c\/1c525dc111d9ae1a53494b06299ed2ea279f910c\/norway-out-group-stage.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Hannah Mckay\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Norway has Erling Haaland<\/a>, and he isn\u2019t a one-man team. Having said that, Norway is not a deep team by any means. It got drawn in with France, Senegal, and Iraq. While Norway is the favorite to beat Iraq, it is likely to lose to France. If Senegal beats Norway, Norway has to be one of the best eight third-place teams. We\u2019re betting against that happening. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n6 of 26<\/p>\n
All the giants of international football do make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"All](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1500,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/e\/ce23f7aa362ab0ad43572fd2d3e2e5fa3eed1367\/giants-international-football-out-group-stage.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Cameron Merritt\/Taunton Daily Gazette\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see any seismic exits in the group stage. The fact 32 teams out of 48 advance helps. Brazil, Germany, France, and the like will all make it out of the group stage, and most of them should win their groups. Italy won\u2019t advance, but that\u2019s only because it isn\u2019t even in the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n7 of 26<\/p>\n
Haiti has the toughest group stage experience<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Haiti](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/3\/c\/3ccdbf20ed68785d98a51b077c96d34bdb6e9d82\/haiti-toughest-group-stage-experience.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jerome Miron\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThere are a couple teams we can easily envision finishing this tournament with three losses. Qatar, for example. Tunisia for another. However, Haiti is in line for a rough experience. It is far from a footballing nation, having only previously appeared in 1974. It lost all three games with a minus-12 goal differential. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the group. A repeat performance of 1974 is to be expected.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n8 of 26<\/p>\n
Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah<\/a> both score one last World Cup goal <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Kevin](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1416,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/2\/c21e8373d10c5c7ec3a00ba948f4a16061ff872f\/kevin-de-bruyne-mohamed-salah-both-score-one-last.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nBoth de Bruyne and Salah have had excellent careers domestically, though both haven\u2019t had as much international success as they may have hoped. KDB was the best player of Belgium\u2019s golden generation, and Salah is the best player Egypt has ever produced. It\u2019s possible Salah will play in another World Cup, simply because who is going to rise up in Egypt to replace him, but we think in 2026 both of these Premier League icons score one last World Cup goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n9 of 26<\/p>\n
The Democratic Republic of Congo makes it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/d\/6\/d6dbf486afb880fdacaa4c4b5e32c964fd0938c6\/democratic-republic-congo-makes-out-group-stage.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Kiyoshi Mio\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n We mentioned the Democratic Republic of Congo is looking for its first World Cup win. When the nation was known as Zaire it appeared in a World Cup, but lost all three games. There are some talented players in line to play this summer, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/a> and Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo is also in a group with Uzbekistan and a Colombia team on a downswing. As such, we see the African nation making it through the group stage. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n10 of 26<\/p>\n
Three teams pick up three wins in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Three](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1315,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/0\/1\/01f00ee1609c09d83c4d79d176a03356a0dd3580\/three-teams-pick-three-wins-group-stage.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAlright, so who is going to cruise through the group stage? Spain is the easiest pick, as it will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. It won Euro 2024 and is loaded right now. Germany is a bit down, but in a group with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador we think it picks up three wins. Lastly, while Senegal should play France tough, we think the French sweep through the group as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n11 of 26<\/p>\n
Four teams will pick up three losses in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Four](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/4\/74b96de9a5c13afeff9ad3ffe5625094a0dc3fc5\/four-teams-pick-three-losses-group-stage.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sam Greene\/The Enquirer\/USA TODAY NETWORK\n <\/p>\n
\nWe mentioned Qatar and Haiti as being in a likely battle for the worst World Cup performance. However, we see four teams failing to pick up a point. Those two, of course, but Panama, Jordan, New Zealand, and Iraq also all serve up the possibility of a three-loss World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n12 of 26<\/p>\n
Harry Kane<\/a> will score his 80th goal for England <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Harry](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/d\/9\/d9a59b7ace21e891d7db875186a830d59e5f31a9\/harry-kane-score-his-80th-goal-england.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Brett Davis\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Kane is still scoring goals left and right for Bayern Munich<\/a>. He\u2019s scored 78 goals for his country, the most in the history of England. It will just take two more goals for him to hit a new threshold by getting to 80 goals. Yeah, we think Kane can score at least two goals before England is eliminated. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n![\"Lamine](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/8\/b88c5e0d22d36ef29156d501097939ca5877b5e3\/lamine-yamal-hat-trick.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nYamal is already one of the most-famous, most-impressive players in the world. He\u2019s also still only 18, and at Euro 2024 he scored a goal as a 16-year-old literal child. We noted Spain has an easy group. One of these games, Yamal is going to find the back of the net three times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n14 of 26<\/p>\n
Somebody other than Christian Pulisic<\/a> leads the United States in goals and assists <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Somebody](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1444,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/a\/8\/a8e59b2ec2bf74592183cc008cce843b6dcf0e01\/somebody-other-christian-pulisic-leads-united.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Scott Coleman\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Again, this is a prediction where we aren\u2019t sure who will be the person who does it. Pulisic is the best player America has ever produced. He plays for AC Milan<\/a>, and he has done great things in the American jersey. Pulisic is also still in his prime. However, 2026 has been rough for him, and even if he is fine, or even pretty good, at the World Cup, we think somebody else leads the way. If we were pressed to name a name for a prediction, we’d go with Malik Tillman. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n15 of 26<\/p>\n
Germany doesn\u2019t make the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Germany](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/b\/cb081f9d0369e45b22919a3cd7d278c47798d371\/germany-quarterfinals.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Andy Lewis-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAs noted, Germany isn\u2019t as impressive as we are accustomed to. There is a bit of a sea change in terms of former key players aging out with the young generation not being as impressive. Obviously, we don\u2019t know what the matchup will be in the round of 32 or the round of 16. We just know we figure Germany loses before the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n16 of 26<\/p>\n
None of the host nations make the quarterfinals, either<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"None](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/9\/4943b06a58c0aefa4d86f55dd7d29085452e2069\/none-host-nations-quarterfinals-either.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Daniel Jefferson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nMexico and Canada, with their groups, have a good chance of making the round of 32. The United States, as a host nation with plenty of talent, has a good chance as well. At that point, though, none of these teams are close to being one of the eight-best footballing nations in the world at present. We might not even have any of them in the top 16. This will be a World Cup without a single host nation in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n17 of 26<\/p>\n
An African nation makes the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"An](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/3\/c\/3c50c37ffde2443138446f5e84b6301687cb2502\/african-nation-makes-quarterfinals.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAfrican teams in the quarterfinals have been rare, and in 2022 Morocco made history by being the first African team to make the semis. Somebody is going to make the quarterfinals this year. Maybe even the Democratic Republic of the Congo! More than likely, though, it will be Morocco or Senegal, aka the teams from the totally-chill African Cup of Nations final.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n18 of 26<\/p>\n
The semifinals are all European and South American<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1556,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/8\/e8e9d4aa94edd1333ee70353e0e01be683b3f0c1\/semifinals-european-south-american.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see anything surprising in the semis. Europe and South America have been the top footballing continents for decades on end. Asia, Africa, and North America will all have collectively bowed out by the semis. The final four will be drawn from the usual places, South America and Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n19 of 26<\/p>\n
A non-superstar scores at least four goals in the tournament<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"A](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1416,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/8\/a\/8ae2dabb96b6ea039c633d9555b57c51f4869840\/non-superstar-scores-least-four-goals-tournament.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Delaware News Journal\/WILLIAM BRETZGER\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time. The leading goal scorers tied with six goals. One was Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov<\/a>. The other was the Russian Oleg Salenko, who scored five goals against Cameroon. In 2022, nobody surprising got to four goals, but we think 2026 will yield a surprise on that front. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n20 of 26<\/p>\n
A 40-year-old will score a goal<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"A](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/1\/4125a094f47a7057e309b84177f708022cf43845\/40-year-old-score-goal.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Luka Modric<\/a> is 40 and still a key player for Croatia. Edin Dzeko is 40 and still serving as a striker for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those are two of the prominent fortysomethings in line to play at the 2026 World Cup. One of them is going to score a goal. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n21 of 26<\/p>\n
Neither Argentina nor France makes it to the final<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Neither](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1331,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/0\/6\/06080225ee0c25f0cbb82e634307ec6f36be1746\/neither-argentina-nor-france-makes-final.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThese are the two teams that played in the final in the previous tournament, but we don\u2019t see either returning. That\u2019s hard to do! France has been in the last two finals, but Brazil from 1994 through 2002 is the last time a team has made it three World Cups in a row. Meanwhile, 2026 was effectively the Last Dance for Argentina. They aren\u2019t going to do it again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n22 of 26<\/p>\n
The two teams that make the finals will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/e\/be99cde33e9cb064e3226ba3ac08a5fc8b692f26\/two-teams-finals.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSure, these two teams could get stuck facing one another before the final. Ultimately, though, we\u2019re going with Spain and Brazil. Both are a nice mix of burgeoning young talent and guys still in their prime. This would make for an exciting final, to be sure. Also, it would be Brazil\u2019s first final since 2002.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n23 of 26<\/p>\n
And the winning of the 2026 World Cup will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"And](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1337,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/a\/f\/afac13907d8c66843df5cc27b9bf27a7cd30f0c5\/winning-2026-world-cup.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSpain has won one World Cup, in 2010. It did so between winning Euros. Spain won Euro 2024. It feels like Brazil is always just a little too chaotic to get over the hump. We\u2019re taking Spain to win World Cup 2026 over Brazil on the outskirts of New York City.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n24 of 26<\/p>\n
Who will be the tournament MVP?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"Who](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1442,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/c\/bcef642e00a093115122b6981bf74b5cb21dc7b4\/tournament-mvp.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sarah Meyssonnier\/USA TODAY Sports\n <\/p>\n
\nA player need not be from the winner to be the MVP, aka to win the Golden Ball. When Spain is firing on all cylinders, it has attacking talent, but also a midfielder pulling all the strings. He\u2019s also a Ballon d\u2019Or winner. Rodri will add another golden trophy to his resume at the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n25 of 26<\/p>\n
And who will score the most goals?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n![\"And](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/5\/1\/51db39b778bb17cfd426785ce05a3b221b6d1c5e\/score-goals.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Rodri won\u2019t score the most goals, though. Neither with Yamal. Actually, we\u2019re looking outside the final here. France will likely go deep into the tournament, possibly to the semis, and thus to the third-place game. That will give Kylian Mbappe<\/a> enough time to score the most goals in this tournament. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n Dale Zanine\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
Of the three host nations, on paper the United States is the best team. However, the last couple years have been up and down, and also the United States has the toughest group of the three host teams. We aren\u2019t going to predict which game the U.S. wins, and we aren\u2019t saying the other two games will be losses. We\u2019re just saying the Americans only win one game on its home turf.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
2 of 26<\/p>\n
Lionel Messi<\/a> scores a goal, Cristiano Ronaldo does not <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Ron Chenoy\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nMessi and Ronaldo are two all-time greats of the game. Argentina won the last World Cup, and Messi was the best player for the team. While he now plays in MLS, and this is assuredly his last World Cup, we think he scores at least one goal (but probably not more than a couple). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been a goal poacher for Portugal for, oh, six years? He actively hurts the Portuguese team now, and we think he ends this tournament without a goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n3 of 26<\/p>\n
Canada doesn\u2019t win its group<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jessica Alcheh\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n The Canadians are a host nation, but Alphonso Davies<\/a> is the one true blue (or true north, as it were) star the team has. Home cooking (poutine, we assume) won\u2019t help the Canadians win the group. Now, they will smash Qatar, because Qatar is a trash squad, but we think the Swiss take Group B. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n4 of 26<\/p>\n
One nation picks up its first World Cup win<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Robert Edwards\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nFour nations are playing in their first World Cup. Those teams are Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. That means 12 opportunities for a nation to win in its first World Cup. Plus, there are countries in this tournament that have never won a game previously. Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the same group. That increases the chances of somebody getting a first win.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n5 of 26<\/p>\n
Norway doesn\u2019t make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Hannah Mckay\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Norway has Erling Haaland<\/a>, and he isn\u2019t a one-man team. Having said that, Norway is not a deep team by any means. It got drawn in with France, Senegal, and Iraq. While Norway is the favorite to beat Iraq, it is likely to lose to France. If Senegal beats Norway, Norway has to be one of the best eight third-place teams. We\u2019re betting against that happening. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n6 of 26<\/p>\n
All the giants of international football do make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Cameron Merritt\/Taunton Daily Gazette\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see any seismic exits in the group stage. The fact 32 teams out of 48 advance helps. Brazil, Germany, France, and the like will all make it out of the group stage, and most of them should win their groups. Italy won\u2019t advance, but that\u2019s only because it isn\u2019t even in the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n7 of 26<\/p>\n
Haiti has the toughest group stage experience<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jerome Miron\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThere are a couple teams we can easily envision finishing this tournament with three losses. Qatar, for example. Tunisia for another. However, Haiti is in line for a rough experience. It is far from a footballing nation, having only previously appeared in 1974. It lost all three games with a minus-12 goal differential. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the group. A repeat performance of 1974 is to be expected.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n8 of 26<\/p>\n
Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah<\/a> both score one last World Cup goal <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nBoth de Bruyne and Salah have had excellent careers domestically, though both haven\u2019t had as much international success as they may have hoped. KDB was the best player of Belgium\u2019s golden generation, and Salah is the best player Egypt has ever produced. It\u2019s possible Salah will play in another World Cup, simply because who is going to rise up in Egypt to replace him, but we think in 2026 both of these Premier League icons score one last World Cup goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n9 of 26<\/p>\n
The Democratic Republic of Congo makes it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Kiyoshi Mio\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n We mentioned the Democratic Republic of Congo is looking for its first World Cup win. When the nation was known as Zaire it appeared in a World Cup, but lost all three games. There are some talented players in line to play this summer, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/a> and Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo is also in a group with Uzbekistan and a Colombia team on a downswing. As such, we see the African nation making it through the group stage. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n10 of 26<\/p>\n
Three teams pick up three wins in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAlright, so who is going to cruise through the group stage? Spain is the easiest pick, as it will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. It won Euro 2024 and is loaded right now. Germany is a bit down, but in a group with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador we think it picks up three wins. Lastly, while Senegal should play France tough, we think the French sweep through the group as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n11 of 26<\/p>\n
Four teams will pick up three losses in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sam Greene\/The Enquirer\/USA TODAY NETWORK\n <\/p>\n
\nWe mentioned Qatar and Haiti as being in a likely battle for the worst World Cup performance. However, we see four teams failing to pick up a point. Those two, of course, but Panama, Jordan, New Zealand, and Iraq also all serve up the possibility of a three-loss World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n12 of 26<\/p>\n
Harry Kane<\/a> will score his 80th goal for England <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Brett Davis\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Kane is still scoring goals left and right for Bayern Munich<\/a>. He\u2019s scored 78 goals for his country, the most in the history of England. It will just take two more goals for him to hit a new threshold by getting to 80 goals. Yeah, we think Kane can score at least two goals before England is eliminated. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nYamal is already one of the most-famous, most-impressive players in the world. He\u2019s also still only 18, and at Euro 2024 he scored a goal as a 16-year-old literal child. We noted Spain has an easy group. One of these games, Yamal is going to find the back of the net three times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n14 of 26<\/p>\n
Somebody other than Christian Pulisic<\/a> leads the United States in goals and assists <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Scott Coleman\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Again, this is a prediction where we aren\u2019t sure who will be the person who does it. Pulisic is the best player America has ever produced. He plays for AC Milan<\/a>, and he has done great things in the American jersey. Pulisic is also still in his prime. However, 2026 has been rough for him, and even if he is fine, or even pretty good, at the World Cup, we think somebody else leads the way. If we were pressed to name a name for a prediction, we’d go with Malik Tillman. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n15 of 26<\/p>\n
Germany doesn\u2019t make the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Andy Lewis-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAs noted, Germany isn\u2019t as impressive as we are accustomed to. There is a bit of a sea change in terms of former key players aging out with the young generation not being as impressive. Obviously, we don\u2019t know what the matchup will be in the round of 32 or the round of 16. We just know we figure Germany loses before the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n16 of 26<\/p>\n
None of the host nations make the quarterfinals, either<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Daniel Jefferson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nMexico and Canada, with their groups, have a good chance of making the round of 32. The United States, as a host nation with plenty of talent, has a good chance as well. At that point, though, none of these teams are close to being one of the eight-best footballing nations in the world at present. We might not even have any of them in the top 16. This will be a World Cup without a single host nation in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n17 of 26<\/p>\n
An African nation makes the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAfrican teams in the quarterfinals have been rare, and in 2022 Morocco made history by being the first African team to make the semis. Somebody is going to make the quarterfinals this year. Maybe even the Democratic Republic of the Congo! More than likely, though, it will be Morocco or Senegal, aka the teams from the totally-chill African Cup of Nations final.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n18 of 26<\/p>\n
The semifinals are all European and South American<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see anything surprising in the semis. Europe and South America have been the top footballing continents for decades on end. Asia, Africa, and North America will all have collectively bowed out by the semis. The final four will be drawn from the usual places, South America and Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n19 of 26<\/p>\n
A non-superstar scores at least four goals in the tournament<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Delaware News Journal\/WILLIAM BRETZGER\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time. The leading goal scorers tied with six goals. One was Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov<\/a>. The other was the Russian Oleg Salenko, who scored five goals against Cameroon. In 2022, nobody surprising got to four goals, but we think 2026 will yield a surprise on that front. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n20 of 26<\/p>\n
A 40-year-old will score a goal<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Luka Modric<\/a> is 40 and still a key player for Croatia. Edin Dzeko is 40 and still serving as a striker for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those are two of the prominent fortysomethings in line to play at the 2026 World Cup. One of them is going to score a goal. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n21 of 26<\/p>\n
Neither Argentina nor France makes it to the final<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThese are the two teams that played in the final in the previous tournament, but we don\u2019t see either returning. That\u2019s hard to do! France has been in the last two finals, but Brazil from 1994 through 2002 is the last time a team has made it three World Cups in a row. Meanwhile, 2026 was effectively the Last Dance for Argentina. They aren\u2019t going to do it again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n22 of 26<\/p>\n
The two teams that make the finals will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSure, these two teams could get stuck facing one another before the final. Ultimately, though, we\u2019re going with Spain and Brazil. Both are a nice mix of burgeoning young talent and guys still in their prime. This would make for an exciting final, to be sure. Also, it would be Brazil\u2019s first final since 2002.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n23 of 26<\/p>\n
And the winning of the 2026 World Cup will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSpain has won one World Cup, in 2010. It did so between winning Euros. Spain won Euro 2024. It feels like Brazil is always just a little too chaotic to get over the hump. We\u2019re taking Spain to win World Cup 2026 over Brazil on the outskirts of New York City.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n24 of 26<\/p>\n
Who will be the tournament MVP?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sarah Meyssonnier\/USA TODAY Sports\n <\/p>\n
\nA player need not be from the winner to be the MVP, aka to win the Golden Ball. When Spain is firing on all cylinders, it has attacking talent, but also a midfielder pulling all the strings. He\u2019s also a Ballon d\u2019Or winner. Rodri will add another golden trophy to his resume at the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n25 of 26<\/p>\n
And who will score the most goals?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Rodri won\u2019t score the most goals, though. Neither with Yamal. Actually, we\u2019re looking outside the final here. France will likely go deep into the tournament, possibly to the semis, and thus to the third-place game. That will give Kylian Mbappe<\/a> enough time to score the most goals in this tournament. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Ron Chenoy\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
Messi and Ronaldo are two all-time greats of the game. Argentina won the last World Cup, and Messi was the best player for the team. While he now plays in MLS, and this is assuredly his last World Cup, we think he scores at least one goal (but probably not more than a couple). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been a goal poacher for Portugal for, oh, six years? He actively hurts the Portuguese team now, and we think he ends this tournament without a goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
3 of 26<\/p>\n
Canada doesn\u2019t win its group<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jessica Alcheh\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n The Canadians are a host nation, but Alphonso Davies<\/a> is the one true blue (or true north, as it were) star the team has. Home cooking (poutine, we assume) won\u2019t help the Canadians win the group. Now, they will smash Qatar, because Qatar is a trash squad, but we think the Swiss take Group B. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n4 of 26<\/p>\n
One nation picks up its first World Cup win<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Robert Edwards\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nFour nations are playing in their first World Cup. Those teams are Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. That means 12 opportunities for a nation to win in its first World Cup. Plus, there are countries in this tournament that have never won a game previously. Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the same group. That increases the chances of somebody getting a first win.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n5 of 26<\/p>\n
Norway doesn\u2019t make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Hannah Mckay\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Norway has Erling Haaland<\/a>, and he isn\u2019t a one-man team. Having said that, Norway is not a deep team by any means. It got drawn in with France, Senegal, and Iraq. While Norway is the favorite to beat Iraq, it is likely to lose to France. If Senegal beats Norway, Norway has to be one of the best eight third-place teams. We\u2019re betting against that happening. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n6 of 26<\/p>\n
All the giants of international football do make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Cameron Merritt\/Taunton Daily Gazette\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see any seismic exits in the group stage. The fact 32 teams out of 48 advance helps. Brazil, Germany, France, and the like will all make it out of the group stage, and most of them should win their groups. Italy won\u2019t advance, but that\u2019s only because it isn\u2019t even in the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n7 of 26<\/p>\n
Haiti has the toughest group stage experience<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jerome Miron\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThere are a couple teams we can easily envision finishing this tournament with three losses. Qatar, for example. Tunisia for another. However, Haiti is in line for a rough experience. It is far from a footballing nation, having only previously appeared in 1974. It lost all three games with a minus-12 goal differential. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the group. A repeat performance of 1974 is to be expected.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n8 of 26<\/p>\n
Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah<\/a> both score one last World Cup goal <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nBoth de Bruyne and Salah have had excellent careers domestically, though both haven\u2019t had as much international success as they may have hoped. KDB was the best player of Belgium\u2019s golden generation, and Salah is the best player Egypt has ever produced. It\u2019s possible Salah will play in another World Cup, simply because who is going to rise up in Egypt to replace him, but we think in 2026 both of these Premier League icons score one last World Cup goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n9 of 26<\/p>\n
The Democratic Republic of Congo makes it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Kiyoshi Mio\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n We mentioned the Democratic Republic of Congo is looking for its first World Cup win. When the nation was known as Zaire it appeared in a World Cup, but lost all three games. There are some talented players in line to play this summer, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/a> and Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo is also in a group with Uzbekistan and a Colombia team on a downswing. As such, we see the African nation making it through the group stage. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n10 of 26<\/p>\n
Three teams pick up three wins in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAlright, so who is going to cruise through the group stage? Spain is the easiest pick, as it will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. It won Euro 2024 and is loaded right now. Germany is a bit down, but in a group with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador we think it picks up three wins. Lastly, while Senegal should play France tough, we think the French sweep through the group as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n11 of 26<\/p>\n
Four teams will pick up three losses in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sam Greene\/The Enquirer\/USA TODAY NETWORK\n <\/p>\n
\nWe mentioned Qatar and Haiti as being in a likely battle for the worst World Cup performance. However, we see four teams failing to pick up a point. Those two, of course, but Panama, Jordan, New Zealand, and Iraq also all serve up the possibility of a three-loss World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n12 of 26<\/p>\n
Harry Kane<\/a> will score his 80th goal for England <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Brett Davis\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Kane is still scoring goals left and right for Bayern Munich<\/a>. He\u2019s scored 78 goals for his country, the most in the history of England. It will just take two more goals for him to hit a new threshold by getting to 80 goals. Yeah, we think Kane can score at least two goals before England is eliminated. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nYamal is already one of the most-famous, most-impressive players in the world. He\u2019s also still only 18, and at Euro 2024 he scored a goal as a 16-year-old literal child. We noted Spain has an easy group. One of these games, Yamal is going to find the back of the net three times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n14 of 26<\/p>\n
Somebody other than Christian Pulisic<\/a> leads the United States in goals and assists <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Scott Coleman\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Again, this is a prediction where we aren\u2019t sure who will be the person who does it. Pulisic is the best player America has ever produced. He plays for AC Milan<\/a>, and he has done great things in the American jersey. Pulisic is also still in his prime. However, 2026 has been rough for him, and even if he is fine, or even pretty good, at the World Cup, we think somebody else leads the way. If we were pressed to name a name for a prediction, we’d go with Malik Tillman. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n15 of 26<\/p>\n
Germany doesn\u2019t make the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Andy Lewis-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAs noted, Germany isn\u2019t as impressive as we are accustomed to. There is a bit of a sea change in terms of former key players aging out with the young generation not being as impressive. Obviously, we don\u2019t know what the matchup will be in the round of 32 or the round of 16. We just know we figure Germany loses before the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n16 of 26<\/p>\n
None of the host nations make the quarterfinals, either<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Daniel Jefferson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nMexico and Canada, with their groups, have a good chance of making the round of 32. The United States, as a host nation with plenty of talent, has a good chance as well. At that point, though, none of these teams are close to being one of the eight-best footballing nations in the world at present. We might not even have any of them in the top 16. This will be a World Cup without a single host nation in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n17 of 26<\/p>\n
An African nation makes the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nAfrican teams in the quarterfinals have been rare, and in 2022 Morocco made history by being the first African team to make the semis. Somebody is going to make the quarterfinals this year. Maybe even the Democratic Republic of the Congo! More than likely, though, it will be Morocco or Senegal, aka the teams from the totally-chill African Cup of Nations final.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n18 of 26<\/p>\n
The semifinals are all European and South American<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThat being said, we don\u2019t see anything surprising in the semis. Europe and South America have been the top footballing continents for decades on end. Asia, Africa, and North America will all have collectively bowed out by the semis. The final four will be drawn from the usual places, South America and Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n19 of 26<\/p>\n
A non-superstar scores at least four goals in the tournament<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Delaware News Journal\/WILLIAM BRETZGER\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time. The leading goal scorers tied with six goals. One was Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov<\/a>. The other was the Russian Oleg Salenko, who scored five goals against Cameroon. In 2022, nobody surprising got to four goals, but we think 2026 will yield a surprise on that front. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n20 of 26<\/p>\n
A 40-year-old will score a goal<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Luka Modric<\/a> is 40 and still a key player for Croatia. Edin Dzeko is 40 and still serving as a striker for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those are two of the prominent fortysomethings in line to play at the 2026 World Cup. One of them is going to score a goal. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n21 of 26<\/p>\n
Neither Argentina nor France makes it to the final<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nThese are the two teams that played in the final in the previous tournament, but we don\u2019t see either returning. That\u2019s hard to do! France has been in the last two finals, but Brazil from 1994 through 2002 is the last time a team has made it three World Cups in a row. Meanwhile, 2026 was effectively the Last Dance for Argentina. They aren\u2019t going to do it again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n22 of 26<\/p>\n
The two teams that make the finals will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSure, these two teams could get stuck facing one another before the final. Ultimately, though, we\u2019re going with Spain and Brazil. Both are a nice mix of burgeoning young talent and guys still in their prime. This would make for an exciting final, to be sure. Also, it would be Brazil\u2019s first final since 2002.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n23 of 26<\/p>\n
And the winning of the 2026 World Cup will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\nSpain has won one World Cup, in 2010. It did so between winning Euros. Spain won Euro 2024. It feels like Brazil is always just a little too chaotic to get over the hump. We\u2019re taking Spain to win World Cup 2026 over Brazil on the outskirts of New York City.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n24 of 26<\/p>\n
Who will be the tournament MVP?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Sarah Meyssonnier\/USA TODAY Sports\n <\/p>\n
\nA player need not be from the winner to be the MVP, aka to win the Golden Ball. When Spain is firing on all cylinders, it has attacking talent, but also a midfielder pulling all the strings. He\u2019s also a Ballon d\u2019Or winner. Rodri will add another golden trophy to his resume at the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\n \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n25 of 26<\/p>\n
And who will score the most goals?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n Rodri won\u2019t score the most goals, though. Neither with Yamal. Actually, we\u2019re looking outside the final here. France will likely go deep into the tournament, possibly to the semis, and thus to the third-place game. That will give Kylian Mbappe<\/a> enough time to score the most goals in this tournament. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Jessica Alcheh\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
The Canadians are a host nation, but Alphonso Davies<\/a> is the one true blue (or true north, as it were) star the team has. Home cooking (poutine, we assume) won\u2019t help the Canadians win the group. Now, they will smash Qatar, because Qatar is a trash squad, but we think the Swiss take Group B. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 4 of 26<\/p>\n \n Robert Edwards\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Four nations are playing in their first World Cup. Those teams are Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. That means 12 opportunities for a nation to win in its first World Cup. Plus, there are countries in this tournament that have never won a game previously. Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the same group. That increases the chances of somebody getting a first win.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 5 of 26<\/p>\n \n Hannah Mckay\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Norway has Erling Haaland<\/a>, and he isn\u2019t a one-man team. Having said that, Norway is not a deep team by any means. It got drawn in with France, Senegal, and Iraq. While Norway is the favorite to beat Iraq, it is likely to lose to France. If Senegal beats Norway, Norway has to be one of the best eight third-place teams. We\u2019re betting against that happening. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 6 of 26<\/p>\n \n Cameron Merritt\/Taunton Daily Gazette\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n That being said, we don\u2019t see any seismic exits in the group stage. The fact 32 teams out of 48 advance helps. Brazil, Germany, France, and the like will all make it out of the group stage, and most of them should win their groups. Italy won\u2019t advance, but that\u2019s only because it isn\u2019t even in the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 7 of 26<\/p>\n \n Jerome Miron\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n There are a couple teams we can easily envision finishing this tournament with three losses. Qatar, for example. Tunisia for another. However, Haiti is in line for a rough experience. It is far from a footballing nation, having only previously appeared in 1974. It lost all three games with a minus-12 goal differential. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the group. A repeat performance of 1974 is to be expected.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 8 of 26<\/p>\n \n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Both de Bruyne and Salah have had excellent careers domestically, though both haven\u2019t had as much international success as they may have hoped. KDB was the best player of Belgium\u2019s golden generation, and Salah is the best player Egypt has ever produced. It\u2019s possible Salah will play in another World Cup, simply because who is going to rise up in Egypt to replace him, but we think in 2026 both of these Premier League icons score one last World Cup goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 9 of 26<\/p>\n \n Kiyoshi Mio\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n We mentioned the Democratic Republic of Congo is looking for its first World Cup win. When the nation was known as Zaire it appeared in a World Cup, but lost all three games. There are some talented players in line to play this summer, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/a> and Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo is also in a group with Uzbekistan and a Colombia team on a downswing. As such, we see the African nation making it through the group stage. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 10 of 26<\/p>\n \n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Alright, so who is going to cruise through the group stage? Spain is the easiest pick, as it will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. It won Euro 2024 and is loaded right now. Germany is a bit down, but in a group with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador we think it picks up three wins. Lastly, while Senegal should play France tough, we think the French sweep through the group as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 11 of 26<\/p>\n \n Sam Greene\/The Enquirer\/USA TODAY NETWORK\n <\/p>\n We mentioned Qatar and Haiti as being in a likely battle for the worst World Cup performance. However, we see four teams failing to pick up a point. Those two, of course, but Panama, Jordan, New Zealand, and Iraq also all serve up the possibility of a three-loss World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 12 of 26<\/p>\n \n Brett Davis\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Kane is still scoring goals left and right for Bayern Munich<\/a>. He\u2019s scored 78 goals for his country, the most in the history of England. It will just take two more goals for him to hit a new threshold by getting to 80 goals. Yeah, we think Kane can score at least two goals before England is eliminated. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n \n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Yamal is already one of the most-famous, most-impressive players in the world. He\u2019s also still only 18, and at Euro 2024 he scored a goal as a 16-year-old literal child. We noted Spain has an easy group. One of these games, Yamal is going to find the back of the net three times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 14 of 26<\/p>\n \n Scott Coleman\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Again, this is a prediction where we aren\u2019t sure who will be the person who does it. Pulisic is the best player America has ever produced. He plays for AC Milan<\/a>, and he has done great things in the American jersey. Pulisic is also still in his prime. However, 2026 has been rough for him, and even if he is fine, or even pretty good, at the World Cup, we think somebody else leads the way. If we were pressed to name a name for a prediction, we’d go with Malik Tillman. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 15 of 26<\/p>\n \n Andy Lewis-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n As noted, Germany isn\u2019t as impressive as we are accustomed to. There is a bit of a sea change in terms of former key players aging out with the young generation not being as impressive. Obviously, we don\u2019t know what the matchup will be in the round of 32 or the round of 16. We just know we figure Germany loses before the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 16 of 26<\/p>\n \n Daniel Jefferson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Mexico and Canada, with their groups, have a good chance of making the round of 32. The United States, as a host nation with plenty of talent, has a good chance as well. At that point, though, none of these teams are close to being one of the eight-best footballing nations in the world at present. We might not even have any of them in the top 16. This will be a World Cup without a single host nation in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 17 of 26<\/p>\n \n Yukihito Taguchi\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n African teams in the quarterfinals have been rare, and in 2022 Morocco made history by being the first African team to make the semis. Somebody is going to make the quarterfinals this year. Maybe even the Democratic Republic of the Congo! More than likely, though, it will be Morocco or Senegal, aka the teams from the totally-chill African Cup of Nations final.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 18 of 26<\/p>\n \n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n That being said, we don\u2019t see anything surprising in the semis. Europe and South America have been the top footballing continents for decades on end. Asia, Africa, and North America will all have collectively bowed out by the semis. The final four will be drawn from the usual places, South America and Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 19 of 26<\/p>\n \n Delaware News Journal\/WILLIAM BRETZGER\/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time. The leading goal scorers tied with six goals. One was Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov<\/a>. The other was the Russian Oleg Salenko, who scored five goals against Cameroon. In 2022, nobody surprising got to four goals, but we think 2026 will yield a surprise on that front. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 20 of 26<\/p>\n \n Nathan Ray Seebeck\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Luka Modric<\/a> is 40 and still a key player for Croatia. Edin Dzeko is 40 and still serving as a striker for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those are two of the prominent fortysomethings in line to play at the 2026 World Cup. One of them is going to score a goal. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 21 of 26<\/p>\n \n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n These are the two teams that played in the final in the previous tournament, but we don\u2019t see either returning. That\u2019s hard to do! France has been in the last two finals, but Brazil from 1994 through 2002 is the last time a team has made it three World Cups in a row. Meanwhile, 2026 was effectively the Last Dance for Argentina. They aren\u2019t going to do it again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 22 of 26<\/p>\n \n Winslow Townson\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Sure, these two teams could get stuck facing one another before the final. Ultimately, though, we\u2019re going with Spain and Brazil. Both are a nice mix of burgeoning young talent and guys still in their prime. This would make for an exciting final, to be sure. Also, it would be Brazil\u2019s first final since 2002.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 23 of 26<\/p>\n \n Jack Gruber\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Spain has won one World Cup, in 2010. It did so between winning Euros. Spain won Euro 2024. It feels like Brazil is always just a little too chaotic to get over the hump. We\u2019re taking Spain to win World Cup 2026 over Brazil on the outskirts of New York City.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 24 of 26<\/p>\n \n Sarah Meyssonnier\/USA TODAY Sports\n <\/p>\n A player need not be from the winner to be the MVP, aka to win the Golden Ball. When Spain is firing on all cylinders, it has attacking talent, but also a midfielder pulling all the strings. He\u2019s also a Ballon d\u2019Or winner. Rodri will add another golden trophy to his resume at the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n 25 of 26<\/p>\n \n Tommy Gilligan\/Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n Rodri won\u2019t score the most goals, though. Neither with Yamal. Actually, we\u2019re looking outside the final here. France will likely go deep into the tournament, possibly to the semis, and thus to the third-place game. That will give Kylian Mbappe<\/a> enough time to score the most goals in this tournament. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\nOne nation picks up its first World Cup win<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNorway doesn\u2019t make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAll the giants of international football do make it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHaiti has the toughest group stage experience<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah<\/a> both score one last World Cup goal <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe Democratic Republic of Congo makes it out of the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThree teams pick up three wins in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nFour teams will pick up three losses in the group stage<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Harry Kane<\/a> will score his 80th goal for England <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Somebody other than Christian Pulisic<\/a> leads the United States in goals and assists <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nGermany doesn\u2019t make the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNone of the host nations make the quarterfinals, either<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAn African nation makes the quarterfinals<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe semifinals are all European and South American<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nA non-superstar scores at least four goals in the tournament<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nA 40-year-old will score a goal<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNeither Argentina nor France makes it to the final<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe two teams that make the finals will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAnd the winning of the 2026 World Cup will be\u2026<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWho will be the tournament MVP?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAnd who will score the most goals?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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