World Cup 2026: Predictions for Round of 32 Qualifications in North America
The largest World Cup ever unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Argentina enters as defending champions after their memorable triumph in Qatar 2022. European giants like France and Spain are among the favorites, while England seeks to end its six-decade-long wait for major silverware.
The expanded tournament format introduces debutants such as Curacao and Iraq, creating room for surprising underdog narratives. Below is a group-by-group analysis predicting which teams might reach the knockout phase.
Group A Prediction
Mexico enjoys home advantage with a favorable draw. South Africa returns to the World Cup stage after their 2010 appearance. With Son Heung-min likely playing his last World Cup, South Korea looks set to claim the second qualifying spot. Czechia secured qualification only after a playoff shootout win against Denmark.
Group B Prediction
Bosnia and Herzegovina surprised many by qualifying after defeating Italy in a playoff, shaking up Group B. Though Canada hosts and is a top seed, their world ranking sits at 30th. Switzerland should lead the group while Qatar aims to build on its Asian Cup successes despite past World Cup struggles.
Group C Prediction
Brazil seeks to add to its record five World Cup titles under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Morocco, AFCON champions, look like strong contenders alongside Brazil. With Haiti present, Scotland could make history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
Group D Prediction
USA, hosting again, aims to impress under Mauricio Pochettino, though Turkey or Paraguay could surprise. All four teams have the ability to claim points from each other.
Group E Prediction
Germany has stumbled in recent tournaments but looks ready to advance this time under Julian Nagelsmann. The team will likely ease past newcomers Curacao. Ivory Coast and Ecuador may challenge if Germany falters.
Group F Prediction
Often seen as the toughest group, Japan and the Netherlands battle for the top spot. Sweden showed promise with a big win over Tunisia. Tunisia struggles to escape early exits after two consecutive group-stage eliminations.
Group G Prediction
Belgium led by Kevin De Bruyne and Egypt featuring Mohamed Salah are favored to progress. Political issues around Iran's participation could hinder their chances despite talent. New Zealand would cause an upset if they qualify.
Group H Prediction
Spain benefits from a schedule starting with weaker opposition, building to a final clash with Uruguay. Both are expected to advance. Saudi Arabia hopes to repeat the upset wins it achieved in previous tournaments.
Group I Prediction
France and Norway face off in a marquee clash between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Senegal could capitalize if either slips. Iraq, a debutant, might surprise following their draw with Spain in pre-tournament friendlies.
Group J Prediction
Argentina looks to avoid opening-match slip-ups from 2022 when facing Algeria. Their later clash with Austria could decide the second qualifier. Austria's intense style may unsettle opponents.
Group K Prediction
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in his likely last World Cup, faces a straightforward group. Colombia boasts James Rodriguez’s final bow. Debutants Uzbekistan and DR Congo aim for memorable moments more than advancement.
Group L Prediction
England brings in Thomas Tuchel after recent near misses, beginning with a tough match against familiar rivals Croatia. Ghana and Panama have much to prove given their recent struggles.
