World Cup2026: Path to the Last Four Part 3
When I released my World Cup 2026 Round of 32 bracket, I never expected it to remain completely intact. The World Cup always delivers surprises, giant killings and moments nobody sees coming.
Now that the Round of 32 is complete, I’m pleased to say that while a handful of ties went against my predictions, the overall picture is still remarkably close. Several of the biggest matchups I predicted are now a reality, and my projected path to the latter stages is very much alive.
Let’s break it down.
Where My Predictions Hit
A number of my knockout predictions came through exactly as I expected.
🇪🇬 Egypt vs Argentina
One of the ties I predicted from the start has materialized. Egypt earned their place in the Round of 16 and now face the reigning South American giants in what promises to be one of Africa’s biggest tests of the tournament.
🏴 England vs Mexico
Another matchup I correctly predicted.
England safely progressed, while Mexico negotiated their side of the bracket to set up a fascinating clash that could easily go either way.
🇪🇸 Spain vs Portugal
An Iberian derby under the brightest lights.
This is exactly the blockbuster Round of 16 fixture I had in my original bracket, and it’s now officially on.
Where Football Had Other Ideas
No prediction bracket survives untouched, and that’s exactly what makes the World Cup so special.
🇲🇦 Morocco instead of Canada
I backed Canada to edge Morocco, believing home momentum could carry them through.
Instead, the Atlas Lions reminded everyone why they are one of the world’s toughest tournament teams, eliminating Canada and earning a deserved place in the Round of 16.
🇨🇭 Switzerland instead of Algeria
I had Algeria progressing to face Colombia.
Instead, Switzerland came through, denying us an all-African Round of 16 clash.
🇧🇷 Brazil instead of Japan
Japan were one of my dark horses, but Brazil showed their championship pedigree and now move on to face Norway.
🇧🇪 Belgium instead of Senegal
I believed Senegal had another deep World Cup run in them.
Belgium proved otherwise, eliminating the African champions and setting up a meeting with the United States.
My Round of 16 Predictions
Now comes the stage where tournaments are won—or lost.
These are my picks to reach the quarter-finals.
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Canada (now Morocco’s path)
Had this fixture happened, I believed Morocco would edge it after a draw in normal time. With Morocco now carrying the momentum from eliminating Canada, I believe the Atlas Lions have what it takes to continue their impressive run.
Prediction: Morocco advance after a draw over 90 minutes.
🇫🇷 France vs Paraguay
Paraguay shocked many by knocking out Germany.
Unfortunately for them, I think the fairytale ends here.
France possess too much quality, too much pace and too much experience.
Prediction: France win comfortably.
🇧🇪 Belgium vs USA
The United States have enjoyed another positive tournament, but Belgium seem to have rediscovered the balance between youth and experience.
I expect a tight contest before Belgium’s quality proves decisive.
Prediction: Belgium advance.
🇪🇸 Spain vs Portugal
The match of the round.
These neighbours know each other inside out.
Margins will be incredibly fine, but Spain’s control of possession and ability to dictate the tempo gives them a slight advantage.
Prediction: Spain advance.
🇲🇽 Mexico vs England
This is my biggest upset prediction.
England undoubtedly have the talent, but Mexico have looked fearless throughout the tournament. Their pressing, intensity and confidence could cause England serious problems.
Tournament football often comes down to moments rather than reputations.
Prediction: Mexico eliminate England.
Looking Ahead
As the knockout rounds progress, every prediction becomes harder. Form changes, pressure increases and one mistake can send even the biggest favourites home.
While a few of my original Round of 32 picks missed the mark, many of the key fixtures I predicted have become reality, and I still believe my bracket has a strong chance of holding up deep into the tournament.
Now it’s time to see whether France, Spain, Belgium, Morocco and Mexico can justify my faith—or whether the World Cup has even more surprises waiting around the corner.
