The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on Friday, June 12, with the Group Stage featuring 48 countries vying for a top-two finish in their respective groups to secure their spot in the Round of 32. The following are our definitive picks on who will make it out of Groups A to L.
Groups A to D: Home-Field Advantages and Giant Killers
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia
If recent history works out, the SON HEUNG-MIN-led South Korea should be the clear favorites to win the group, especially with Mexico’s history of struggles in the group stages. However, “El Tri” should join them in the Round of 32, but look for Czechia to play the spoiler.
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Similar to Mexico, Canada will have home-field advantage to start their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we think the Swiss have this one in the bag, owing to their consistency—reaching the knockout stage in their last three World Cup showings. Likely to join them atop the group is Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to a bevy of technically gifted forwards led by the great EDIN DZEKO.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Brazil’s talented squad, highlighted by explosive attacking talent and a renewed defensive identity, should be the clear winners of Group C. While Morocco is expected to be up there along with them, the SCOTT MCTOMINAY-led Scotland team can produce an upset here, but don’t bet on it. After all, Morocco’s last World Cup campaign in 2022 had them reaching the semifinals.
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Without a shadow of a doubt, we believe the USA should be advancing to the next round since it’s their time to show that they’re a world-beating program. However, we don’t have them topping the group. We instead think it’s going to be Turkey’s physical, high-intensity style that could win them the group.
Groups E to H: The Group of Death and Redemptions
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
By no means should the retooled Germany squad be considered shoo-ins for the top of the group, but they do have a crop of young studs that are raring to show their quality, which is why we have them winning it all. It won’t be an easy road, though, as the surprising Ecuador squad, always threatening Ivory Coast, and the quietly overlooked Curacao team could give them problems. Of these three, we think Ecuador will shock the world again and join Germany at the top of the group.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
This group is a bloodbath. Japan is fresh off upset wins over Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands are as terrifying as ever with VIRGIL VAN DIJK, FRENKIE DE JONG, and CODY GAKPO leading the charge, Sweden is a dark horse candidate, and Tunisia could produce upsets. But for now, we’ll go with the Dutch and the Japanese to advance.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium is our clear pick to win the top spot in Group G, featuring KEVIN DE BRUYNE, ROMELU LUKAKU, and THIBAUT COURTOIS. They will look to redeem themselves from their dismal Group Stage exit in the 2022 World Cup. Everyone should keep their eyes on Egypt as a potential first-place finisher in their group, especially with MO SALAH, OMAR MARMOUSH, and MOSTAFA MOHAMED leading the way.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde
Luis de la Fuente’s side has all the makings of an outright favorite to win it all, what with young prodigy LAMINE YAMAL at the forefront and supported by talents like PEDRI and RODRI in the midfield. Of the remaining three, Uruguay’s a no-brainer to advance to the Round of 32 since Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde are just simply overmatched. Notably, this is Cabo Verde’s debut in the tournament.
Groups I to L: Defending Champions and Final World Cup Quests
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
Les Bleus are ranked third in the world and are coming off a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 edition. With KYLIAN MBAPPE fully fit, France is primed to exact their revenge on everyone standing in their way. We think Senegal will be joining them in the next round, as they have PAPE MATAR SARR, NICOLAS JACKSON, and ISMAILA SARR in starring roles. But do keep an eye out for Norway, since ERLING HAALAND and MARTIN ODEGAARD could propel them to the knockout stage as a top-performing team among all third-place finishers.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Jordan, Austria
Clearly, the LIONEL MESSI-powered Argentina side should be viewed as locks to emerge on top of the table for the group and will be leaning on their experience advantage early on. Understandably, Algeria is an early favorite to be among the top two, but we think Austria’s star-laden squad, featuring DAVID ALABA and MARCEL SABITZER, is primed to take center stage.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo
Like in Group J, Portugal is the clear favorite since CRISTIANO RONALDO will be joined by BRUNO FERNANDES, JOAO NEVES, and VITINHA in their quest to win their first-ever World Cup. We’re tapping Colombia to venture into the knockout stage along with Portugal, owing to their midfield supremacy and technical freedom.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Ranked fourth in the world, England’s overwhelming firepower upfront, with HARRY KANE and JUDE BELLINGHAM anchoring it, should kickstart their campaign with a bang and be number one in the group. Croatia is an easy pick to be at the top with them since LUKA MODRIC, JOSKO GVARDIOL, and IVAN PERISIC are spearheading it. However, look for Ghana to sneak into the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the Group Stage. Panama isn’t an outright contender, but they should make some of their groupmates struggle.
