World Cup 2026 Group Stage Predictions: Who Advances from Each Group?

With 12 groups, 48 teams, and 72 matches to predict, the 2026 World Cup group stage is a fascinating puzzle. Here are predictions for all 12 groups.

Group A — Mexico, South Korea, Czechia, South Africa

Predicted qualifiers: Mexico, South Korea (with South Africa potentially challenging for third)
Mexico benefit enormously from home-continent support. South Korea are technically strong and well-coached. Czechia are quality but may struggle.

Group B — Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Predicted qualifiers: Switzerland, Canada
Switzerland are the steadiest side here. Canada, co-hosts, will be driven by an extraordinary atmosphere.

Group C — Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Predicted qualifiers: Brazil, Morocco
Brazil are dominant favourites but Morocco could push them. Scotland and Haiti will battle for a potential third-place spot.

Group D — USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye

Predicted qualifiers: USA, Türkiye
The USA are the tournament’s other co-host. Paraguay and Türkiye are close in quality; Türkiye’s European club experience may edge it.

Group E — Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Predicted qualifiers: Germany, Ecuador
Germany should cruise. Ecuador and Ivory Coast fight for second; Ecuador’s South American pedigree gives them the edge.

Group F — Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Predicted qualifiers: Netherlands, Japan
The Dutch should win the group comfortably. Japan have shown they can beat major European sides; Sweden are their main rivals.

Group G — Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Predicted qualifiers: Belgium, Egypt
Belgium remain a quality side despite their golden generation ageing. Egypt have been strong in African qualifiers.

Group H — Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Predicted qualifiers: Spain, Uruguay
Spain are clear favourites. Uruguay’s experience and defensive resilience should see them through in second.

Group I — France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Predicted qualifiers: France, Senegal
France are the group’s heavyweights. Senegal are Africa’s strongest team at this tournament alongside Morocco.

Group J — Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Predicted qualifiers: Argentina, Austria
Argentina are defending champions. Austria have quietly become a dangerous European side.

Group K — Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Predicted qualifiers: Portugal, Colombia
Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo should top the group. Colombia are well-organised and technically gifted.

Group L — England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Predicted qualifiers: England, Croatia
England carry high expectations. Croatia, twice finalists or semi-finalists in recent tournaments, remain organised and dangerous.

Make your own group stage predictions in our World Cup 2026 prediction game and see how they compare.