2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions

History will be made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as 48 teams duel it out for the coveted gold trophy. The 2026 installment of the tournament takes place in North America, with the United States, Canada and Mexico co-hosting the event.

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With 48 teams from six confederations playing in three host countries across 16 cities, this World Cup promises plenty of goals, drama and excitement. In the lead-up to the Soccer World Cup, Topbets has compiled this 2026 FIFA World Cup guide, previewing the global spectacle.

World Cup Prediction – 2026 Betting Tips

The world’s most prestigious football tournament is starting in a few months, and everything is almost ready for the participating nations and fans.

The World Cup group stage is all set, and match fixtures are in place. Topbets Nigeria promised to provide you with well-researched insights and predictions for the games of the World Cup.

For our other World Cup tips, click on the links below:

World Cup Predictions – Round 1

Here are the top World Cup predictions for round one of the competition. We try to pick games and markets with the best possibility of winning. Below are the upcoming games:

France v Sweden

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

This game looks tight, but France have been scoring freely in their recent games. Both sides have excellent attackers, and their recent games have seen at least 3 goals scored. Over 2.5 goals is a good option for this match.

Ivory Coast v Norway

Tip: Norway to Win

Both sides have been in good form in recent games, and even though Norway lost against France, they rested some of their first-team players, like Haaland. Norway has dangerous forwards, and we don’t see any way the Ivorian defense can stop them. However, the Ivorians can also cause havoc themselves, but we expect Norway to win this game.

Brazil v Japan

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

This game looks tight, even though both nations have been scoring freely. Both sides have excellent attackers, and their recent games rarely see fewer than 3 goals scored. In all their clashes, there have been only 3 goals scored, and we expect a similar outcome in this game. Over 2.5 goals is a good option for this match.

Netherlands v Morocco

Tip: Draw

Both teams are unbeaten in their last 4 games and in this campaign. However, to go for a draw is risky in this game because both sides have not had a stalemate in their last meetings. Morocco plays beautiful football and has many attacking threats, while the Netherlands have experience all around the pitch. Nevertheless, we think this game will be going to the extra time, and a draw is a value bet for this game.

Germany v Paraguay

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

This game looks tight, even though Germany has been scoring freely. Both sides have excellent attackers, and their recent games rarely see fewer than 3 goals scored. We expect a similar outcome in this game. Over 2.5 goals is a good option for this match.

South Africa v Canada

Tip: Under 3.5 Goals

This game looks tight, and even though South Africa has been poor in this World Cup campaign, they have not conceded more than 2 goals in a match. We expect a very tight game, and it should be low-scoring. South Africa is poor in front of goal, so under 3.5 goals is a safe tip.

Jordan v Argentina

Tip: Argentina to Win

This game is expected to be hard for Jordan as Argentina seems hungry for more success. Argentina, led by Messi, will always be the favorites and very hard to beat. We expect an easy game for the Argentines, and they should be victorious in this game.

Colombia v Portugal

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

This game features top players in the world playing for Portugal. There are various attacking talents present in this clash, but we expect more than 3 goals in this game. Portugal and Colombia are expected to try to make a statement in this game, and we expect at least 3 goals to be scored in this game.

Croatia v Ghana

Tip: Under 2.5 Goals

We do not expect plenty of goals in this game. Aside from the England game, Croatia has not been scoring plenty of goals in their recent games. Ghana has been poor in attack but solid defensively. We are expecting a low-scoring game.

Panama v England

Tip: England to Win

Spain is expected to win this game. They have the better squad and form, plus experience to see games like this through. Spain has one of the strongest and best young national teams in this FIFA World Cup, and we expect them to win.

Uruguay v Spain

Tip: Spain to Win

Norway v France

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

We expect plenty of goals in this game. The French have high-quality attackers, and so does Norway. With both teams playing for pride and top of the table, we believe that their defenses will be a little relaxed in this game. Also, recent games involving each team have ended with at least 3 goals scored.

Tunisia v Netherlands

Tip: Netherlands to Win

The Netherlands is in much better form and is stronger in terms of quality players. Even though Tunisia desperately needs this win for national pride, we don’t see them beating the Dutch in this game. We are expecting the Netherlands to win this game.

Ecuador v Germany

Tip: Germany to Win

Germany is in much better form and is stronger in terms of quality players. Even though the Ecuadorians desperately need this win, we don’t see them beating the Germans in this game. Also, going by their previous meetings, Germany has won this fixture comfortably. We are expecting Germany to win this game.

Curaçao v Côte d’Ivoire

Tip: Côte d’Ivoire to Win

Ivory Coast is in much better form and looks stronger than Curacao, even though both nations desperately need this win. Curacao needs to win, but they have been poor in their recent outings. With deadly players like Haller and Pepe, we expect the Ivorians to win this game.

Argentina vs. Austria

Tip: Argentina to Win

This game is expected to be hard for both sides, but Argentina, led by Messi, will always be the favorites and very hard to beat. We expect a tight game for the Argentines, but they should be victorious in this game.

South Africa vs. Korea Republic

Tip: Under 3.5

Scotland vs. Brazil

Tip: Brazil to Win

Brazil looks very strong for this game, especially as they need to win this game to progress to the next stage. Morocco is hot on both teams’ heels and is expected to win their game against Haiti, so this game is a must-win. Also, Brazil has won the last 4 times these sides met, and therefore we expect Brazil to win this game.

France vs. Iraq

Tip: France to Win

This game is expected to be hard for Iraq; even with the dire need to win, we expect a tight game for the Iraqis. Both sides need this win, but France has way more quality and experience, and we expect a comfortable win for the French side.

England vs. Ghana

Tip: England to Win

This game is expected to be hard for both sides, but England is the favorite, and they are very hard to beat. We expect a tight game for the Englishmen, but they should be victorious in this game. Ghana has been poor against top opponents, and they struggled to beat Panama.

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan

Tip: Portugal to Win

Portugal have come under heavy criticism ever since their last game, and they need to win this game to save their World Cup campaign and national and player pride. Uzbekistan is the weakest team in their World Cup group, and we expect them to take advantage and get 3 points in this game.

Netherlands vs. Sweden

Tip: Both Teams to Score

Both teams have good attacks and poor defense in recent games. Both the Netherlands and Sweden have failed to keep clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 games. We expect goals from both sides mainly because this is a must-win game for both sides. Plus, in the meeting between these sides, both teams have scored.

Norway vs. Senegal

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

This game features top players in Europe and Africa. There are various attacking talents present in this game, and we expect at least 3 goals in this game. In recent games where the participating teams have played top footballing nations, there have been over 2.5 goals in those games.

Brazil vs Haiti

Tip: Home Win

Both sides have top-quality players on the pitch, but Brazil looks more determined and have better quality plus determination. They also have superior H-2-H performances, and we believe they’ll grab a win in this game.

Spain vs. Saudi Arabia

Tip: Both Teams to Score – No

Spain have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 5 games and are unbeaten. Saudi Arabia have been average in front of goal, so we don’t see them scoring against Spain. We don’t expect both teams to score in this game.

Germany vs Ivory Coast

Tip: Both Teams to Score

Mexico is co-hosting the tournament, and they have been good in their recent games. South Africa were good in their qualifying games.

We expect both teams to score in this game, as Mexico will love to excite their fans, and South Africa has been bold going forward.

Mexico vs South Africa

Tip: Both Teams to Score

Mexico is co-hosting the tournament, and they have been good in their recent games. South Africa were good in their qualifying games.

We expect both teams to score in this game, as Mexico will love to excite their fans, and South Africa has been bold going forward.

Argentina vs Algeria

Tip: Home to Win

While Algeria have been in fine form, winning nations like the Netherlands in their recent games and keeping clean sheets. Argentina in a competitive game is a whole new level. We expect the Lionel Messi-led team to kick off their title defense with a win.

Canada vs Bosnia Herzegovina

Tip: Over 1.5 Goals

Canada is another co-host of the 2026 World Cup, but they have been in good shape in their recent games. They clash with a European nation, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we expect at least 2 goals in this game.

Both teams have been in mixed form in recent games, and we expect them to score at least 2 goals in this game.

Portugal vs Congo DR

Tip: Home to Win

Both sides have top-quality players on the pitch, but Portugal looks more complete all over the pitch. They also have superior previous match performances, and we believe they’ll grab a win in this game.

Czechia vs South Africa

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

While Czechia’s recent games have seen plenty of goals scored, we expect a similar outcome in this game. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in their last 5 games, and South Africa’s defense has been poor in recent games.

Ghana vs Panama

Tip: Over 1.5 Goals

Ghana’s and Panama’s recent games have all seen at least 2 goals scored. We expect goals in this game, as both sides will believe they can take on each other. An over 1.5 goal is at least expected in this game.

England vs Croatia

Tip: Under 3.5 Goals

While Croatia’s recent games have seen plenty of goals scored, England’s games have been low-scoring. Due to Tuchel focusing on defensive resilience, we are expecting no more than 3 goals scored in this game.

USA vs Paraguay

Tips: Home Win

The USA is a third major co-host of the 2026 World Cup, and we think they’re well-equipped for this clash. They played well in their recent games, while Paraguay has been in mixed form.

We expect the home team to at least win this game in front of their fans. Paraguay will be expected to put up some fight in this game, but the overwhelming number of US fans will be a good home advantage for the home team.

France vs Senegal

Tip: BTTS – Yes

Both teams have exciting attacks, but their defenses have been letting in goals. We expect both nations to find the net in this game because the game should be an all-out attack.

Brazil vs Morocco

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals

The South American heavyweight and the African heavyweight teams clash, and this is one of the most exciting clashes of the World Cup. Brazil will bring their star-studded team and flair, and have been in good goal-scoring form in recent games.

Morocco has been in fine form as well, being a finalist in the just-concluded AFCON and having been good in front of goal in recent games. We expect at least 3 goals from this game as both teams look likely to score.

Germany vs Curacao

Tip: Home Win

Looking at team form and squad quality, Germany is expected to win this game with ease. Germany has crashed out of the last two World Cups in the group stage, and they’d be avoiding that embarrassment from matchday 1, and we expect to see them win with a big goal margin.

Qatar vs Switzerland

Tip: Away Win

Qatar hosted the amazing 2022 World Cup, but they are not a top footballing nation, so they didn’t go far in the competition. We expect a similar campaign to this World Cup, and we expect them to lose to Switzerland.

The Swiss have a good and superior squad for this game, and we believe they’d want to start their campaign very strongly. A comfortable away win is the best pick for this game.

Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador

Tip: Both Teams to Score – Yes

Both teams have been good in front of goal, but Ecuador has shown cracks defensively. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 games, while Ivory Coast has failed to keep a clean sheet in 3 of their last 5 games.

Spain vs Cape Verde

Tip: Home Win

Looking at team form and squad quality, Spain is expected to win this game, but we don’t expect it to have a large goal margin. Cape Verde might look a bit weak on paper, but their recent games have shown how strong they can be.

Host nations and venues

The 2026 World Cup is the first since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation, and this time, we have three co-hosts, with games taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, with the opening game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The World Cup Final is on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York, United States.

There will be 104 games, with 78 matches in the United States and 13 each in Canada and Mexico. Below are the details of the host cities and stadiums used for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Stadium	Capacity	City
Estadio Azteca	87,523	Mexico City, Mexico
MetLife Stadium	82,500	New York, United States
AT&T Stadium	80,000	Texas, United States
Arrowhead Stadium	76,416	Kansas City, United States
NRG Stadium	72,220	Houston, United States
Mercedes-Benz Stadium	71,000	Atlanta, United States
SoFi Stadium	70,240	Los Angeles, United States
Lincoln Financial Field	69,796	Philadelphia, United States
Lumen Field	69,000	Seattle, United States
Levi’s Stadium	68,500	California, United States
Gillette Stadium	65,878	Boston, United States
Hard Rock Stadium	64,767	Miami, United States
BC Place	54,500	Vancouver, Canada
Estadio BBVA	53,500	Monterrey, Mexico
Estadio Akron	49,850	Guadalajara, Mexico
BMO Field	45,736	Toronto, Canada

From 32 to 48 teams

The expansion of the World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams has been much debated, but FIFA has approved the expansion, and starting from the 2026 World Cup, 48 teams will participate in the global event.

There will be 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 32. Besides adding more teams, groups and games, the format stays the same, with three group games, followed by a single-leg knockout stage with a Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Third play playoff and Final.

Round	Schedule
Group Stage Matchday 1	June 11-17, 2026
Group Stage Matchday 2	June 18-23, 2026
Group Stage Matchday 3	June 24-27, 2026
Round of 32	June 28 – July 03, 2026
Round of 16	July 04-07, 2026
Quarterfinals	July 09-11, 2026
Semifinals	July 14-15, 2026
Third place playoff	July 18, 2026
Final	July 19, 2026

Favourite teams to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup

With qualifying still taking place, several teams are still fighting for their place at the tournament. However, you can expect all the heavyweights to compete at the World Cup, and below are the latest betting odds for the favourites:

Spain

The defending Euro Champions are the narrow favourites to win the 2026 World Cup. Currently priced at 6.50, La Roja will bring a youthful team to the tournament that already has proved to know how to win on the big stage, and you can expect a big tournament for Barcelona playmaker Lamine Yamal.

Brazil

With former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti now at the helm for Brazil, much is expected from the five-time Champions. However, the pressure is on the Selecao as they have not won the tournament since 2022. Brazil is priced at 7.00 to win a record-setting sixth FIFA World Cup Crown.

France

After a lacklustre last few years, the French team needs to showcase their best as they try to send off their coach, Didier Deschamp, with another World Cup crown. The side enters the tournament with a nice blend of youth and experience, with Kylian Mbappe spearheading their attack and are 7.00 in the latest betting.

England

Now under the helm of German boss Thomas Tuchel, England will aim to finally win another World Cup after going desperately close under previous boss Gareth Southgate in recent years. Key to the English chances this World Cup will be the attack, and if Tuchel can get the team to be more attack-minded, then the 8.00 outright price on the Three Lions will be a popular choice among many bettors.

Argentina

Defending World Cup Champions Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup with much fanfare, especially surrounding star player Lionel Messi, who will compete at his final FIFA World Cup. At 9.00 in the outright betting, the Argentine team hopes to give Messi the perfect send-off to close out his amazing career.

Portugal

Much of the attention will be on Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup. Like Lionel Messi, this will be the final chapter of Ronaldo’s international career, and he has one last shot at winning the global crown. Ronaldo and his Portugal side are priced at 12.00 to win the event, and the team comes into the tournament in a jubilant mood after winning the UEFA Nations League.

TopBets other expert tips:

See our leagues’ Predictions:

FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQ

Where is the Soccer World Cup taking place?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from 11 June 2026, and the tournament is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

There will be 48 teams participating at the World Cup.

When does the World Cup Final take place?

The World Cup Final is on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York, United States.

Who is the favourite to win the World Cup?

Currently, Spain at 6.50 in the betting are the narrow favourites to win the World Cup.

Q.) Has Nigeria qualify for World Cup 2026?

A.) Nigeria missed out on the 2026 World Cup as they didn’t make it through the play-offs.

Q.) How many African countries qualify for the World Cup?

A.) 10 African countries qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was made possible due to FIFA expanding the participating teams to 48.

Q.) Has Nigeria won World Cup?

A.) No, Nigeria has not won the senior World Cup. While Nigeria has won the junior version of the World Cup, they have failed to win the main senior World Cup.