With the 2026 World Cup approaching quickly, we asked AI to simulate the potential outcome in North America, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Will there be any surprise packages? Will any big nations crash out early? And, ultimately, who will be crowned World Champions in 2026?
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Group A
Results
- Mexico 2-0 South Africa
- South Korea 1-1 Czech Republic
- Czech Republic 2-1 South Africa
- Mexico 1-1 South Korea
- Czech Republic 1-2 Mexico
- South Africa 1-2 South Korea
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 7 |
| 2 | South Korea | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 5 |
| 3 | Czech Republic | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | South Africa | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 0 |
AI predicts that Mexico will win Group A and South Korea will follow them through in second, with Czech Republic close enough to be one of the eight teams that qualify as a best third-placed nation. Mexico’s projected seven points are built on two narrow but significant home-influenced wins, while South Korea’s unbeaten record reflects their reliability rather than dominance. Czech Republic are the side most likely to outperform this forecast; if they beat South Korea in the opening round, the entire group dynamic changes.
Group B
Results
- Canada 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Qatar 0-2 Switzerland
- Switzerland 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Canada 2-0 Qatar
- Switzerland 1-1 Canada
- Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1 Qatar
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 7 |
| 2 | Canada | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 7 |
| 3 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
| 4 | Qatar | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
Switzerland are predicted to win Group B on goal difference, with Canada also qualifying comfortably in second. The decisive detail is Switzerland’s predicted defensive record: if they can beat Qatar and Bosnia without conceding, a draw against Canada should be enough to top the section. Canada still profile as a strong qualification pick, but they may need a win over Switzerland in the final group game to finish first. Bosnia and Herzegovina are competitive enough to qualify as one of the the third-place nations, while Qatar look likely to need an upset in one of their first two games to alter the table meaningfully.
Group C
Results
- Brazil 1-1 Morocco
- Haiti 1-2 Scotland
- Scotland 1-2 Morocco
- Brazil 4-0 Haiti
- Scotland 0-2 Brazil
- Morocco 3-0 Haiti
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 7 |
| 2 | Morocco | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 7 |
| 3 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
| 4 | Haiti | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 0 |
Brazil are the pick to top Group C on goal difference, with Morocco qualifying second on the same points total. The opening draw keeps the group competitive, but Brazil’s projected heavier win over Haiti and cleaner defensive record against Scotland give them the decisive advantage. Morocco still look a strong qualification pick because their direct meeting with Scotland should tilt the table in their favour.
Scotland’s route to the knockouts depends on beating Haiti and then finding a result against either Morocco or Brazil. In this projection, they do the first part but narrowly miss the second, leaving them third on three points but having just enough to sneak through to the knockout rounds. Haiti are capable of causing moments of disruption, particularly against Scotland, but the gap in defensive reliability and squad depth makes a point difficult to forecast.
Group D
Results
- United States 2-1 Paraguay
- Australia 1-2 Turkey
- United States 2-1 Australia
- Turkey 1-1 Paraguay
- Turkey 2-2 United States
- Paraguay 1-1 Australia
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 7 |
| 2 | Turkey | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 5 |
| 3 | Paraguay | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 | Australia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
The final call is the United States to top Group D, with Turkey qualifying second. The hosts’ projected wins over Paraguay and Australia give them the platform to survive a difficult final match against Turkey. A draw in that final-round meeting would be enough to keep the United States first, while Turkey’s opening win over Australia gives them control of the runner-up race.
Paraguay are the team most capable of disrupting the forecast. Their route to qualification depends on turning one of the Turkey or Australia draws into a win, because their defensive structure should keep them in every game. Australia have enough physicality and tournament know-how to trouble each opponent, but in this projection they lack the attacking efficiency needed to turn competitive performances into wins.
Group E
Results
- Germany 3-0 Curacao
- Ivory Coast 1-2 Ecuador
- Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast
- Ecuador 3-0 Curacao
- Curacao 0-2 Ivory Coast
- Ecuador 1-2 Germany
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 9 |
| 2 | Ecuador | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 6 |
| 3 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Curacao | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -8 | 0 |
The final call is Germany to win Group E with a perfect nine points, but not without being tested by Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Germany’s opening fixture against Curaçao gives them a favourable platform, and if they take maximum points from the first two games, the final match against Ecuador becomes more about confirming top spot than rescuing qualification.
Ecuador are the strongest second-place pick. The projected 2-1 win over Ivory Coast is the pivotal result in this table, effectively separating the automatic qualifier from the third-place contender. Ivory Coast still profile as a dangerous third-place side. Their likely route to the knockouts depends on beating Curaçao and keeping goal difference respectable against Germany and Ecuador. Curaçao’s qualification is already a major achievement, but this projection has them finishing fourth because the group’s pace, physicality and squad depth gap look severe across all three fixtures.
Group F
Results
- Netherlands 2-1 Japan
- Sweden 1-0 Tunisia
- Netherlands 2-1 Sweden
- Tunisia 0-2 Japan
- Japan 2-1 Sweden
- Tunisia 0-2 Netherlands
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 9 |
| 2 | Japan | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 3 | Sweden | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
The prediction is Netherlands to win Group F with maximum points, although that does not necessarily mean they dominate every match. Their opener against Japan is likely to be the biggest test, and a narrow win there would set up a clean route to first place. Japan are the most convincing second-place pick. Their 2022 World Cup wins over Spain and Germany were no longer isolated shocks. The projected win over Sweden is the key result in this table, reflecting Japan’s superior structure and ability to manage decisive tournament moments.
Sweden are dangerous enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, but their margin for error is thin. Their attack gives them a real ceiling, especially if Gyokeres and Isak are fully fit, yet defensive issues from qualifying remain a concern. Tunisia, meanwhile, should be difficult to break down under Sabri Lamouchi, with Ellyes Skhiri anchoring midfield, but the lack of reliable attacking output makes it hard to forecast points in such a strong group.
Group G
Results
- Iran 1-0 New Zealand
- Belgium 2-1 Egypt
- Belgium 2-0 Iran
- New Zealand 0-2 Egypt
- Egypt 1-1 Iran
- New Zealand 1-3 Belgium
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 9 |
| 2 | Egypt | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Iran | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
Belgium are projected to win the group with a perfect record because their front-line variety gives them the best chance of solving three very different defensive problems. Egypt and Iran are much closer than the market may imply, and the forecast has them level on points, but Egypt edge second place on goal difference because they carry more reliable individual match-winning quality through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. RotoWire notes that Egypt’s qualifying campaign was unbeaten and defensively strong, while also highlighting the Salah–Marmoush partnership as the side’s key attacking route.
Iran’s third-place finish should not be read as a weak campaign. They are projected to beat New Zealand, draw with Egypt and remain competitive against Belgium, which reflects their low-to-mid block, Mehdi Taremi’s penalty-box threat and recent World Cup experience. The concern is that if they need to chase a game, they do not have the same attacking variety as Egypt. New Zealand, meanwhile, are unlikely to be outclassed physically and should have moments through Chris Wood, but this is a tough draw. Their realistic path depends on taking something from Iran in the first match; once that slips away, the group becomes very difficult.
Group H
Results
- Spain 3-0 Cape Verde
- Saudi Arabia 0-2 Uruguay
- Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia
- Uruguay 2-0 Cape Verde
- Uruguay 1-2 Spain
- Cape Verde 1-1 Saudi Arabia
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 | Uruguay | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
| 4 | Cape Verde | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 1 |
Spain are projected to win the group with a perfect record because their blend of control and attacking invention is clearly superior to the rest of the section. Uruguay are the obvious runner-up. Their squad spine of Federico Valverde, Ronald Araujo and Manuel Ugarte gives them defensive strength, athleticism and big-match pedigree, and they finished fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying.
The third-place race is closer. Saudi Arabia have stronger World Cup experience, a proven tournament coach in Hervé Renard and the psychological reference point of their 2022 win over Argentina. Cape Verde, however, are not token debutants. They topped a demanding CAF group ahead of Cameroon and Angola, won all five home qualifiers without conceding, and qualified with a 7W-1L-2D record. That makes them dangerous in a one-off game against Saudi Arabia, but the forecast gives Saudi Arabia third on goal difference because their major-tournament experience should help them keep the scoreline slightly tighter across the group.
Group I
Results
- France 2-1 Senegal
- Iraq 0-3 Norway
- France 3-0 Iraq
- Norway 2-2 Senegal
- Norway 1-2 France
- Senegal 2-0 Iraq
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 9 |
| 2 | Norway | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 4 |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -8 | 0 |
France are projected to win the group with a perfect record because they combine the best defensive base, the strongest tournament pedigree and the deepest group of match-winners. Norway are the narrow pick for second, but this is a marginal call rather than a comfortable one. Their case rests on Haaland’s elite finishing and the creative platform provided by Odegaard.
Senegal are predicted to finish third despite taking four points, which could still leave them with a realistic chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Iraq’s return to the World Cup is a significant achievement, particularly after beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental play-off, but this draw is extremely demanding. Graham Arnold’s side should be organised and competitive in spells, with Aymen Hussein and Zidane Iqbal offering useful outlets, yet France, Norway and Senegal all have substantially greater attacking power. The forecast therefore has Iraq finishing bottom without a point, though not without moments of resistance.
Group J
Results
- Argentina 2-0 Algeria
- Austria 2-0 Jordan
- Argentina 2-1 Austria
- Jordan 1-2 Algeria
- Algeria 1-1 Austria
- Jordan 0-3 Argentina
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 | Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Argentina’s opening match against Algeria feels like a classic champion’s group-stage performance: not necessarily explosive, but controlled. Algeria can carry a threat in transition and from wide areas, yet Argentina’s midfield control, set-piece quality and tournament experience should make the difference. Their second match against Austria is likely to be their most demanding fixture because Austria’s press can disrupt rhythm, but Argentina still have the match-winners to edge a narrow victory. Austria’s predicted second-place finish rests on avoiding defeat against Algeria. They should beat Jordan through pressing pressure, set pieces and superior physicality, but the Argentina match is a tougher stylistic clash.
Jordan deserve respect as first-time World Cup qualifiers, and their counter-attacking structure gives them at least one plausible route to a shock result. Jordan’s best chance of taking something probably comes against Algeria. Even so, this is a steep group. Their defensive block is likely to spend long periods under pressure, and the squad-depth gap against Argentina and Austria is substantial.
Group K
Results
- Portugal 2-0 DR Congo
- Uzbekistan 0-2 Colombia
- Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
- Colombia 2-1 DR Congo
- Colombia 1-2 Portugal
- DR Congo 1-1 Uzbekistan
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 | Colombia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 1 |
Portugal are the strongest pick to win Group K because they combine elite technical depth, multiple chance creators, and enough defensive quality to control matches against lower-possession opponents. Colombia should follow them through in second, although their margin for error is narrower than the talent gap suggests because DR Congo are athletic enough to make their meeting uncomfortable. The final-day draw between DR Congo and Uzbekistan leaves the African side third on goal difference, but neither underdog is projected to do enough to challenge the top two across three matches.
Group L
Results
- England 2-1 Croatia
- Ghana 2-1 Panama
- England 2-0 Ghana
- Panama 2-0 Croatia
- Panama 0-3 England
- Croatia 2-0 Ghana
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 | Croatia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
| 4 | Panama | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
From a bettor’s perspective, Group L is a group to respect rather than overcomplicate. England’s outright price is short, but it is short for good reasons: they have the best FIFA ranking in the section, the deepest squad, the clearest attacking hierarchy and a tactical model that should be especially effective against Ghana and Panama. Croatia are the one side capable of disrupting that script, but if they lose the opener, their assignment becomes straightforward: take six points from Panama and Ghana.
The most interesting betting-style angle is not the group winner but the lower-table dynamic. Ghana vs Panama is essentially a standalone third-place playoff on matchday one. Panama are well organised enough to compete, but Ghana’s higher attacking ceiling makes them the better pick to finish third. The projected table therefore follows the market’s broad view: England win the group with nine points, Croatia qualify second with six, Ghana finish third on three, and Panama finish fourth despite competitive spells.
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