Our 2026 World Cup prediction table
by Cydias Aujard | by Cydias Aujard
2026 World Cup: SportyTrader’s prediction table
Whilst you’ll be able to find our experts’ insights in our detailed daily 2026 World Cup predictions, today we’re revealing our tournament forecast, just a few days before the competition kicks off.
A new format with 48 teams, the introduction of the round of 32, and nearly 500 possible combinations for the knockout stage: it was a major undertaking for the SportyTrader team.
After simulating the scores of every match, using our algorithm and drawing on human intuition, the result of our work is here: our 2026 World Cup prediction table.
Among other things: a final victory for France, a strong showing from England, and all three host nations qualifying for the round of 16.
Would you agree with us? In any case, the editorial team’s verdict is in.
What factors were taken into account for our predictions?
Our experts have analysed and predicted every match in this group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Here are the main factors that were considered in drawing up our predictions:
- The managers’ list
- The form of key players
- The ‘home advantage’ factor
- Analysis of recent matches and friendlies
- Each team’s statistics
- Head-to-head record
- Performance in recent tournaments
- The stakes of the third match depending on the results
Although other factors were also taken into account, the main ones are listed above. Beyond the players selected and their form—which is obviously a key factor in making an accurate prediction—home advantage also explains the strong performances of the three host nations.
The most recent matches played by every nation, along with the related statistics, have naturally been taken into account, as have their head-to-head records and their performances in recent major tournaments.
One final point that must not be overlooked: the importance of the third match for the teams, which can change a great deal if, for example, a team has already qualified after winning its first two matches.
Explaining our predicted schedule
A new World Cup format also means a new format for the knockout stages. As we’ve already mentioned, we’re seeing the introduction of the round of 32. It’s one more chance to be knocked out, but also one more chance for smaller nations to experience an exceptional match.
The top two teams in each group qualify directly, whilst only the eight best third-placed teams make it to the round of 16. The four worst third-placed teams and the bottom teams in each group are therefore eliminated and head home after just three matches.
Every goal conceded or scored and every booking will be decisive in reaching the round of 16.
All of this makes the task of our experts in drawing up the prediction table that much more complicated, as every goal scored or conceded makes the difference when it comes to qualifying or finishing among the top third-placed teams.
Thus, according to our analyses and calculations, Scotland, Ghana, Sweden, Norway, DR Congo, Paraguay, Ecuador and Austria should be among the lucky ones.
South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Bosnia are therefore unlikely to reach the round of 16 in our view, as are Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Qatar, Haiti, Curaçao, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Panama.
Will our experts be right? We’ll find out in a few days!
