Using data from previous tournaments and qualifying, we’ve tasked our model with creating some World Cup AI predictions with correct score picks on every match at this summer’s tournament.
Our AI predictor combines data from qualifying matches, previous World Cups, bookmakers and more to determine the most likely correct score outcome from the game.
As the tournament progresses, the model will focus more heavily on the games that have already taken place within the tournament and it will look beyond results to input shot, possession and general match momentum data to see where value may lie.
Czech Republic vs South Africa
This looks competitive, but I give Czech Republic a narrow edge because their scoring profile is a bit stronger. Their recent sample is uneven at 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats, yet they still average 1.75 goals scored per match. The issue is control rather than chance creation: the opening World Cup defeat to Korea Republic, plus draws with Denmark and Republic of Ireland, show a side that scores but does not always close games cleanly.
South Africa’s numbers are also mixed: 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats, averaging 1.25 goals scored and 1.12 conceded. They were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their opener and also lost to Cameroon recently, so I slightly distrust them against European tempo. That said, Czech Republic’s 1.50 goals conceded per match keeps a South Africa goal live. The best fit is Czech quality just edging a game with concessions: 2-1.
AI prediction: Czech Republic 2-1 South Africa
Get the Squawka Bet team’s Czech Republic vs South Africa tips and predictions here
Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Switzerland have the stronger overall profile, but their recent trend does not scream clean win. They are unbeaten across the sample at 4 wins and 4 draws, averaging 2.00 goals scored and only 0.50 conceded, so the defensive base is strong. The catch is that their last two relevant games both finished 1-1, against Qatar and Kosovo, which makes another tight draw very plausible.
Bosnia-Herzegovina are almost built for this scoreline at the moment. Their recent sample shows 2 wins, 5 draws and 1 defeat, and their last three listed matches were all 1-1, against Canada, Italy and Wales. They have not failed to score in the eight-match sample, but they have only one clean sheet, so both teams getting one goal looks more natural than either side controlling the game. Switzerland are the safer team, but 1-1 is the sharper correct-score lean.
AI prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Get the Squawka Bet team’s Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina tips and predictions here
Canada vs Qatar
Canada are harder to price from the available feed because the recent sample only gave one completed match, their 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Still, as hosts they should carry enough territory and crowd energy to avoid being passive, and that Bosnia result showed they can compete in a structured, low-margin game. I would not make them dominant, but I do think home conditions tilt the late stages their way.
Qatar’s broader sample points to a competitive match, but also one where they can be opened up. They are 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats, with 1.25 goals scored and 1.75 conceded per match, and they just drew 1-1 with Switzerland. That result warns against underrating them, so I would not choose a Canada clean sheet. Still, Qatar’s concession rate is high enough for Canada to find a second. The lean is 2-1 Canada rather than another draw.
AI prediction: Canada 2-1 Qatar
Get the Squawka Bet team’s Canada vs Qatar tips and predictions here
Mexico vs South Korea
Mexico opened with a controlled 2-0 win over South Africa, which makes them tempting as the main pick, especially with home-region conditions in their favour. The problem is that the available Mexico sample is too thin to assume dominance, and South Korea look like a much tougher opponent than South Africa. Mexico’s clean sheet in the opener matters, but this should be a step up in tempo and attacking quality.
South Korea’s recent form is strong: 5 wins, 3 draws and no defeats, averaging 2.12 goals per match, and they have scored in every match in the sample. Their 2-1 win over Czech Republic also gives them immediate World Cup momentum. Mexico may still edge territory and crowd pressure, but Korea Republic’s consistency makes a blank unlikely. I slightly prefer 1-1 over 2-1 either way, because both sides have enough quality to score but enough respect for the matchup to keep it tight.
AI prediction: Mexico 1-1 South Korea
Get the Squawka Bet team’s Mexico vs South Korea tips and predictions here
How the predictions have got on
| Our AI Model’s Prediction | Actual full-time result |
|---|---|
| Mexico 1-0 South Africa | Mexico 2-0 South Africa |
| South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic | South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic |
| Canada 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina | Canada 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina |
| USA 1-0 Paraguay | USA 4-1 Paraguay |
| Qatar 0-3 Switzerland | Qatar 1-1 Switzerland |
| Brazil 1-1 Morocco | Brazil 1-1 Morocco |
| Haiti 1-2 Scotland | Haiti 0-1 Scotland |
| Australia 1-2 Turkey | Australia 2-0 Turkey |
| Germany 4-0 Curacao | Germany 7-1 Curacao |
| Netherlands 2-1 Japan | Netherlands 2-2 Japan |
| Ivory Coast 0-1 Ecuador | Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador |
| Sweden 1-1 Tunisia | Sweden 5-1 Tunisia |
| Spain 3-0 Cape Verde | Spain 0-0 Cape Verde |
| Belgium 2-0 Egypt | Belgium 1-1 Egypt |
| Saudi Arabia 0-1 Uruguay | Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay |
| Iran 1-0 New Zealand | Iran 2-2 New Zealand |
| Senegal 0-1 France | Senegal 1-3 France |
| Iraq 0-2 Norway | Iraq 1-4 Norway |
| Argentina 2-0 Algeria | Argentina 3-0 Algeria |
| Austria 2-0 Jordan | Austria 3-1 Jordan |
| Portugal 2-0 DR Congo | Portugal 1-1 DR Congo |
| England 1-0 Croatia | England 4-2 Croatia |
| Ghana 1-1 Panama | Ghana 1-0 Panama |
| Uzbekistan 0-2 Colombia | Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia |
| Czech Republic 2-1 South Africa | |
| Switzerland 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina | |
| Canada 2-1 Qatar | |
| Mexico 1-1 South Korea |
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