👀 AI predicts top scorer, flop, podium and 2026 champions; find out | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup is about to begin, and  OneFootball turned to artificial intelligence to find out its picks on key topics surrounding the tournament.

Check out the predictions below and then share whether you agree or not.

Top scorer ⚽

Mbappé

📸 SAMEER AL-DOUMY - AFP or licensors

The Real Madrid forward is tipped to be the World Cup’s top scorer — a feat he would achieve with eight goals.

The reasons? The high probability of France reaching the final, the fact that he takes penalties, and his high volume of shots.

Mbappé, it’s worth remembering, has 12 World Cup goals and is chasing the all-time scoring record — currently held by Klose (16). Messi (13) is his rival.

Disappointment 👎🏽

England

📸 Ryan Pierse - 2025 Getty Images

The squad’s strength has been recognized, but this still won’t be the time that the English team ends its long drought.

Its inability to fully “click” as a national team will be on display once again.

The positive surprise would be Portugal, led by CR7, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes & Co.

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World Cup podium 📊

Spain, France and Brazil

📸 MAURO PIMENTEL - AFP or licensors

Brazil will secure a place among the top teams by defeating rivals Argentina in the third-place playoff.

But the trophy will return to Europe, which will claim its 13th title.

Champion 🏆

Spain

📸 OZAN KOSE - AFP or licensors

The team of Yamal, Pedri & Co. is seen as the big favorite for combining a well-established playing identity, a dominant midfield, and wingers who decide games, for example.

They will beat a France side with talent to spare, but one that will show a lower level of collective play than it is capable of. 

So, do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 TIMOTHY A. CLARY - AFP or licensors