World Cup 2026: Group Stage Predictions – The Road Begins
It’s yet again the biggest event in world sport. It might not be hosted entirely in the United States, but it will certainly capture the attention of every corner of the globe. This edition of the FIFA World Cup arrives at a time of economic uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil across many regions. However, this blog is not about those challenges. It is about football.
With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams for the first time, there are more stories, more opportunities, and more surprises waiting to unfold. In this series, I’ll be looking at each group, predicting who advances, and later revisiting these predictions to see where I got it right and where football once again proved unpredictable.
Let’s begin with the group stage.
Group A
Mexico, South Korea, Czechia, South Africa
This group features a fascinating mix of footballing cultures and styles. While all four nations have produced entertaining teams over the years, I believe South Africa enters the tournament as the least likely side to qualify. As much as I love the country and would happily live there, football remains football.
Mexico should have enough quality and experience to top the group comfortably. The battle for second place will be between South Korea and Czechia. Both are proud footballing nations with strong histories, but the presence of Son Heung-min and South Korea’s growing consistency at major tournaments may give them the edge.
Prediction:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Czechia
- South Africa
Czechia could still progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Group B
Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar
This group looks straightforward at the top but complicated in the middle.
Switzerland possess the quality, depth, and tournament experience to finish first. The battle for second and third should be between Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Both sides have talented players but lack extensive experience at the highest level.
Canada may benefit from home support and familiarity with conditions, giving them a slight advantage over Bosnia. Qatar, despite some optimism from certain observers, appear to be a level below the other three teams.
Prediction:
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Qatar
Bosnia could advance among the best third-placed teams.
Group C
Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Many are calling this the “Group of Death.”
Personally, I think it is only a group of death for Haiti, who may struggle significantly against the quality of the other three teams.
Scotland’s story remains familiar. Every tournament brings hope, and too often that hope fades quickly. I expect them to finish third.
The real battle is between Brazil and Morocco. While Brazil remain one of football’s giants, this is not the Brazil of 2002. Morocco, meanwhile, have established themselves as one of the world’s most dangerous dark horses.
I expect their head-to-head encounter to end in a draw, meaning goal difference particularly against Haiti could determine the group winner.
Prediction:
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Scotland
- Haiti
Group D
United States, Turkey, Paraguay, Australia
This may not be the strongest group on paper, but it is certainly one of the most competitive.
The United States will have home pressure and expectations. Turkey are one of my dark horses for the tournament. Paraguay remain a technically gifted and experienced South American side, while Australia are always disciplined, organized, and difficult to beat.
This group reminds me of Group E at the 1994 World Cup, where Mexico, Ireland, Italy, and Norway were separated by the finest of margins.
Prediction:
- Turkey
- United States
- Paraguay
- Australia
Every position could be decided by a single result.
Group E
Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
Germany should comfortably top the group.
The real contest is between Ecuador and Ivory Coast for second place. Both possess athleticism, talent, and enough quality to advance.
World Cup debutants Curaçao will be one of the tournament’s most interesting stories. They could either struggle heavily or surprise a few people with a draw, but I don’t see them progressing.
Prediction:
- Germany
- Ecuador
- Ivory Coast
- Curaçao
Group F
Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia
One of the tournament’s most intriguing groups.
The Netherlands remain a footballing giant, but history has often been cruel to them. From the Johan Cruyff era to the golden generation featuring Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf, and Ronald Koeman, they have frequently fallen just short.
This time, however, I believe Japan will top the group.
The Samurai Blue continue to improve with every generation. Built upon foundations laid by pioneers such as Hidetoshi Nakata and inspired by football culture icons like Captain Tsubasa (known to many Arab fans as Captain Majed), this Japanese side has speed, discipline, and confidence.
Prediction:
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Tunisia
Japan could be one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Group G
Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium should have enough quality to win the group, even if they are no longer the force of their golden generation.
Second place will be a fascinating battle between Egypt and Iran. Egypt have Mohamed Salah, arguably the group’s biggest star, while Iran bring organization, experience, and resilience.
New Zealand may earn a draw but are unlikely to challenge for qualification.
Prediction:
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
Group H
Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Spain should win this group comfortably.
Uruguay possess enough quality and tournament pedigree to secure second place. The battle for third will likely be between Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Saudi Arabia have proven before that they can shock bigger nations, but Cape Verde may view this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Prediction:
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia
- Cape Verde
Group I
France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
Another potential Group of Death.
France enter as one of the tournament favourites, but Senegal and Norway are both dangerous opponents capable of causing major problems.
Unfortunately for Iraq, the draw has been particularly unforgiving. However, this tournament provides an opportunity to showcase their talent and determination on football’s biggest stage.
Prediction:
- France
- Norway
- Senegal
- Iraq
Senegal could easily finish second and prove me wrong.
Group J
Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
One of the more straightforward groups.
Argentina should top the standings comfortably. Austria have enough quality to secure second place, while Algeria will likely challenge strongly for third.
Jordan’s qualification itself is already a remarkable achievement.
Prediction:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Algeria
- Jordan
Group K
Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan
Portugal and Colombia should battle for first place, but I give Portugal a slight edge.
DR Congo have enough athleticism and unpredictability to challenge for third, while Uzbekistan may find the competition a step too far.
Prediction:
- Portugal
- Colombia
- DR Congo
- Uzbekistan
Group L
England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England should finish top, although Croatia will not be far behind.
Ghana have enough quality to challenge for qualification, while Panama will need a near-perfect tournament to progress.
Prediction:
- England
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Panama
Final Thoughts
The expanded 48-team format guarantees surprises. Some traditional powers will disappoint, some underdogs will write new chapters in their football history, and a few nations nobody expects will reach the knockout rounds.
For now, these are my group-stage predictions. Once the group phase concludes, I will revisit every prediction, analyze where I was right and wrong, and then make my forecasts for the knockout rounds.
Because if there is one thing the World Cup teaches us every four years, it is this:
Football never follows the script.
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