World Cup 2026: Predicted Qualifiers for the Knockout Stage

Posted on June 18, 2026 by SoccerPunter

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced several surprises, with favorites dropping points and underdogs making strong starts. With the group stage now underway, we can begin projecting which nations are most likely to reach the Round of 32.

Predicted Group Winners

Group A

• Mexico
• South Korea

Mexico opened with a convincing win over South Africa, while South Korea defeated Czechia. Both sides appear stronger than their group rivals.

Group B

• Switzerland
• Canada

A highly competitive group, but Switzerland’s consistency and Canada’s home support should prove decisive.

Group C

• Brazil
• Morocco

Despite drawing their opening match, Brazil remain favorites. Morocco’s impressive recent tournament pedigree gives them the edge over Scotland.

Group D

• United States
• Australia

The United States made a statement with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia also started with a win.

Group E

• Germany
• Ivory Coast

Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao makes them one of the early tournament favorites. Ivory Coast have enough quality to finish second.

Group F

• Netherlands
• Japan

Japan continue to impress on the world stage, while the Dutch possess greater overall squad depth than Sweden.

Group G

• Belgium
• Iran

Belgium’s experience should carry them through, while Iran have repeatedly shown they can compete with stronger opponents.

Group H

• Spain
• Uruguay

Spain remain one of the tournament’s strongest squads, while Uruguay’s blend of youth and experience should secure qualification.

Group I

• France
• Norway

France are among the favorites to win the World Cup 2026, while Norway’s attacking firepower led by a golden generation makes them dangerous.

Group J

• Argentina
• Austria

Argentina have begun strongly and look likely to top the group. Austria continue to improve and should advance comfortably.

Group K

• Portugal
• Colombia

Portugal’s talent-rich squad and Colombia’s consistency make them favorites.

Group L

• England
• Croatia

England possess one of the deepest squads in the tournament, while Croatia’s major tournament experience should help them edge Ghana and Panama.

Predicted Best Third-Placed Teams

Under the new format, eight third-placed teams will also advance. The most likely candidates are:

• Morocco
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Iran
• Uruguay
• Senegal
• Scotland
• Ghana

Predicted Round of 32 Qualifiers

1. Mexico
2. South Korea
3. Switzerland
4. Canada
5. Brazil
6. Morocco
7. United States
8. Australia
9. Germany
10. Ivory Coast
11. Netherlands
12. Japan
13. Belgium
14. Iran
15. Spain
16. Uruguay
17. France
18. Norway
19. Argentina
20. Austria
21. Portugal
22. Colombia
23. England
24. Croatia
25. Sweden
26. Senegal
27. Scotland
28. Ghana
29. Ecuador
30. Egypt
31. Turkey
32. Qatar

Tournament Favorites

The strongest contenders to lift the trophy remain:

1. Argentina
2. France
3. England
4. Spain
5. Brazil
6. Germany
7. Portugal
8. Netherlands

Predicted Final Four

• Argentina
• France
• England
• Spain

Predicted World Cup Final

Argentina vs France

Predicted World Cup Champion

Argentina

The reigning champions appear well-positioned to defend their crown, although France, England and Spain are close challengers. Early results suggest this World Cup may be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent history, with several traditional powers already dropping points in the opening round.

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These predictions will likely change significantly after the second round of group matches, especially in tightly contested groups such as B, G, H and K.