With the 2026 men’s World Cup group stage here, it’s time to predict who will make it through to the knockout rounds.
- You can watch every single 2026 World Cup game live across Universo, Telemundo and Peacock en Espanol, here.
MORE — Full 2026 World Cup schedule, how to watch live info
Of course, predictions are tough and there are so many variables, but we have a pretty good idea of who will be the favorites and underdogs in each group.
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Remember: due to the expanded format of this World Cup the top two nations from all 12 groups will automatically qualify for the Round of 32 in the knockout rounds. The eight third-place teams with the best record will join them in the last 32.
Based on that, here’s our 2026 World Cup group stage predictions below.
2026 World Cup predictions for the Group Stage
Group A
1. Mexico
2. Czechia
3. South Korea - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. South Africa
Group B
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Qatar
Group C
1. Morocco
2. Brazil
3. Scotland - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Haiti
Group D
1. Turkiye
2. USA
3. Australia - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Paraguay
Group E
1. Germany
2. Ecuador
3. Curacao - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Ivory Coast
Group F
1. Netherlands
2. Japan
3. Sweden - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Tunisia
Group G
1. Belgium
2. Egypt
3. Iran
4. New Zealand
Group H
1. Spain
2. Uruguay
3. Cape Verde - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Saudi Arabia
Group I
1. France
2. Norway
3. Senegal - Qualify as one of best third-place teams
4. Iraq
Group J
1. Argentina
2. Austria
3. Algeria
4. Jordan
Group K
1. Portugal
2. Colombia
3. Uzbekistan
4. DR Congo
Group L
1. England
2. Croatia
3. Panama
4. Ghana
