FIFA World Cup 2026 predictions: Full group stage & knockout bracket breakdown | OneFootball

Football’s biggest stage returns this summer as a stacked line-up of global contenders collide in pursuit of 2026 FIFA World Cup glory.

We have mapped out the full World Cup picture, from the group-stage battles through to the knockout phase, outlining how the tournament could unfold from start to finish.

World Cup 2026 group stage

Group A

Before bowing out in the group stages four years ago in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout phase at seven consecutive World Cups. With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.

South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing.

Group B

In addition to co-hosts Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar will also be vying for a top-two spot in this group, with all three nations seeking a maiden knockout appearance on the grandest international stage.

However, there’s a good reason why Switzerland are odds-on to walk away with a top-table finish, having progressed from the group stages in four of their five World Cup appearances this century.

Group C

Buoyed by a stunning fourth-place finish in the last tournament, Morocco could make life difficult for Brazil here, with Scotland lurking in the shadows on their return for the first time since the 1998 edition.

Despite an underwhelming qualifying campaign, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges remain hot favourites to advance as group winners, with the Atlas Lions expected to settle for a runner-up finish.

Group D

Expectations are sky-high in Mauricio Pochettino’s corner, yet the United States’ recent World Cup performances cannot inspire confidence, even though they’ve reached the knockouts in three of the last four tournaments.

Turkey could be one of the surprise packages this summer, as they gear up for their first World Cup since a memorable third-place finish in 2002.

Group E

Keen to erase the memory of a dreadful group-stage exit in Qatar, Germany will be out to atone and send a message to other World Cup contenders from the get-go.

There’s a feeling that the Ivory Coast could pip Ecuador to a coveted second place, while it would take a major surprise for debutants Curacao to upset the established hierarchy in this group.

Group F

Arguably the most competitive-looking group, at least on paper, threatens to undermine the Netherlands’ lofty ambitions, as Sweden and Japan are both perfectly capable of beating them to the summit.

Tunisia’s unenviable record of failing to advance from the group stage in each of their six previous World Cup campaigns suggests they could struggle to keep pace with the rest of the pack.

Group G

It would take a brave man to bet against Belgium claiming top spot in this group, despite their nasty habit of flopping at major tournaments.

A battle for second place ought to be far more exciting, with Iran likely to put Egypt’s credentials to the test after a decent group-stage campaign in Qatar.

Group H

Even if Lamine Yamal fails to recover for the early stages of the competition, this should be plain sailing for Spain, as they hope to build upon their 2024 UEFA European Championship triumph.

Despite beating Argentina in the 2022 group stage, Saudi Arabia may once again fall short of a top-two finish, which looks reserved for Uruguay.

Group I

The last time France were in the same group with Senegal, it didn’t end well. They crashed out at the group stage at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

However, history is unlikely to repeat itself this time around, at least for the back-to-back World Cup finalists. Senegal are eyeing a second straight knockout progression.

Group J

Argentina’s quest to become just the third nation in World Cup history to successfully defend their title should face no real threat in Group J.

Much more exciting should be the race for a runner-up spot, with Austria poised to clinch second place at the expense of Algeria and debutants Jordan.

Group K

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to lead Portugal to World Cup glory should begin with a relatively straightforward group-stage campaign, even though Colombia possess the quality to make life uncomfortable for the Iberians.

While they may fall short of their top-spot aspirations, Los Cafeteros should have enough experience and firepower to leave DR Congo and Uzbekistan behind.

Group L

Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title.

Croatia’s remarkable exploits at the last two World Cups make them a genuine threat, but they are currently navigating a generational transition that may work in the Three Lions’ favour.

World Cup 2026 knockout stage

Round of 32

South Korea vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Despite overcoming Italy in the qualifying play-offs, this tie could spell the end of Bosnia’s World Cup journey.

Germany vs Best 3rd place Group A/B/C/D/F – Whoever faces Germany in this fixture will likely go home.

Netherlands vs Morocco – Even though the odds may be stacked against them, Morocco’s knack for upsetting elite opposition could produce the first major shock of the tournament.

Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer. However, Brazil’s form has been far from convincing, while Japan’s ability to compete with top sides suggests this could be far more competitive than expected. Brazil should progress, nonetheless.

France vs Best 3rd place Group C/D/F/G/H – With France widely expected to make another deep run in Didier Deschamps’ farewell World Cup appearance, Les Bleus should cruise to the last 16.

Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie.

Mexico vs Best 3rd place Group C/E/F/H/I – Since suffering a quarter-final elimination on home soil in 1986, Mexico have reached the round of 16 in seven of their eight World Cup appearances. That’s unlikely to change now.

England vs Best 3rd place Group E/H/I/J/K – England’s first serious test will probably arrive later in the tournament.

Turkey vs Best 3rd place Group B/E/F/I/J – Despite their lengthy absence from football’s biggest stage, the Crescent-Stars might return with a bang.

Belgium vs Best 3rd place Group A/E/H/I/J – Perhaps freeing themselves from the shackles of their trophyless ‘golden generation’ is exactly what Belgium needed to unlock their full potential.

Colombia vs Croatia – This tie is a tricky one. However, Croatia’s experience could prove decisive in the end.

Spain vs Austria – With all due respect to Ralf Rangnick, there’s little that Das Team will be able to do to halt Spain’s title ambitions.

Switzerland vs Best 3rd place Group E/F/G/I/J – Murat Yakin has transformed Switzerland into a highly disciplined and well-organised unit, and we expect them to show that here.

Argentina vs Uruguay – This South American classic is probably going to send Uruguay packing.

Portugal vs Best 3rd place Group D/E/I/J/L – With Ronaldo leading by example, you don’t want to be on the opposite side in this fixture.

US vs Iran – Iran would never go down without a fight, yet this is likely to be the end of the road for Amir Ghalenoei’s team.

Round of 16

Germany vs France – Julian Nagelsmann’s dream of leading Die Mannschaft to their first World Cup triumph since 2014 may come crashing to an end at the hands of their bitter rivals in this mouth-watering last-16 showdown.

Morocco vs South Korea – Morocco’s bid to replicate their 2022 heroics could face a stern test here, but Mohamed Ouahbi’s men should pass it with flying colours.

Croatia vs Spain – Croatia’s remarkable tournament experience and resilience could make this a tightly contested encounter. However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour.

Turkey vs Belgium – Unfortunately for Vincenzo Montella, Belgium are likely to prove a step too far for Turkey.

Brazil vs Senegal – There’s little doubt that Senegal possess the quality and confidence to push this tie into extra time. However, it probably won’t be enough to prevent the Selecao from edging through to the next round.

Mexico vs England – England should add to Mexico’s last-16 misery with relative ease and condemn them to their eighth round-of-16 elimination since the previous World Cup held in the United States.

Argentina vs United States – The US crashed out at this juncture in the last tournament staged on their soil, and history looks set to repeat itself against the reigning champions.

Switzerland vs Portugal – Can the Swiss turn Ronaldo’s dream into a nightmare? Probably not.

Quater-finals

France vs Morocco – Another semi-final appearance is likely to elude Morocco, with Les Bleus expected to prevail on sheer firepower.

Spain vs Belgium – Golden generation or not, there’s no way past this La Furia Roja side for Rudi Garcia’s team.

Brazil vs England – Harry Kane and his teammates will need to be at their absolute best to come out on top of this blockbuster fixture, and they should be able to do so.

Argentina vs Portugal – If there’s a nation equipped and motivated enough to end another title-winning campaign for Lionel Messi, it’s Roberto Martinez’s side.

Semi-finals

France vs Spain – Only a handful of teams can stop Les Bleus from becoming the first team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals. Spain are one of them.

England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals. This is England’s semi-final to lose.

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