Opta's supercomputer has predicted the winners of the Round of 32 fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with defending champions Argentina, 2025 UEFA Nations League winners Portugal, and England among the favourites to progress. The expanded 48-team tournament has been reduced to 32 teams after an entertaining group stage filled with goals and dramatic moments.
Favourites to Advance to Round of 16
According to Opta's latest simulations, Argentina have an 86.17% chance of progressing, while England's qualification probability stands at 83.57%. France are close behind with 81.58%, followed by Spain (79.02%) and co-hosts the United States (78.42%).
Among the African representatives, Egypt have the highest probability of advancing at 54.08%, followed by Senegal (43.30%), Morocco (39.03%), Ghana (34.38%), South Africa (32.30%), Ivory Coast (31.46%), DR Congo (16.43%), and Cape Verde (13.83%). Africa has nine representatives in the knockout stage, with Tunisia the only African nation eliminated in the group stage.
Who Will Win the 2026 World Cup?
Opta's simulations identify France as the leading favourites to lift the trophy, giving Les Bleus an 18.58% chance. France have enjoyed a flawless campaign, defeating Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0, and Norway 4-1 to top their group, according to Al Jazeera. Didier Deschamps' men will face Sweden in the Round of 32 and could meet Germany in the Round of 16 before a potential quarter-final against the Netherlands or Morocco.
Defending champions Argentina are second favourites with a 16.00% chance of retaining their title. Lionel Messi has scored six goals in the tournament so far. Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Spain are third with a 12.56% chance of winning their second World Cup title after recovering from an opening goalless draw with Cape Verde to beat Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. La Roja will take on Austria in the Round of 32, with a potential showdown against Portugal awaiting in the next round.
Other Contenders
England are fourth favourites with a 9.62% chance of winning the tournament, followed by Brazil (6.66%), the Netherlands (5.29%), and Portugal (4.98%), led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Opta's supercomputer tipped 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia as favourites to defeat Ghana in the decisive Group L clash. Croatia emerged victorious in 56.3% of outcomes, making them clear favourites to end the group stage with all three points.
