2026 World Cup Predictions

 

Let Down of the Tournament: Norway

Norway will come into the 2026 World Cup with a lot of hope, having been incredible in qualifying, and many people could back them as dark horses in the tournament, but I think they will be a huge letdown. Norway possesses huge attacking talent (literally), but at the same time has failed to prove itself at major tournaments, and with France and Senegal in their group, I struggle to see them in 1st or 2nd place. I predict a 3rd-place group finish to take them into the round of 32, where they will end their tournament.

Dark Horses: Colombia

Many will have said Portugal, Senegal, Morocco, or Türkiye as dark horses for the tournament. In my opinion, Portugal isn’t really a dark horse. I think everyone knows Senegal has a good team. I don’t see Morocco reaching the heights of their 2022 World Cup run, and Türkiye have been dark horses in their last two international competitions, but they failed to come to fruition, so I choose Colombia as the dark horse. They came second in the Copa America, and they have a team that plays with a lot of heart and desire, full of proven talent, such as Suarez, Muñoz and Diaz, and of course, how could you forget the . I see them getting to the quarter final, but losing a tight game.

Semi Finalists: England, Argentina, France, Spain

Yes, I know, I have gone with the most obvious selection for semi-finalists, but at the same time, there is a reason it’s so likely. England have one of the best squads at the tournament; France have won one and been finalists in their last two; Argentina are the champions; and Spain are Euro Champions and probably the best team in world football. I think, however, as it seems to be, England will falter and fail to get to the final, along with Argentina, for whom, with an ageing squad, the final is a step too far. That means we would have, on paper, the best possible final. And the winner would be...

Winner: France

I think France will be 2026 World Cup Champions. It feels written in the stars for them, Didier Deschamps at his last World Cup, they have the best attack on the planet, and seem to have the strongest team throughout. I think Spain's defence is not strong enough and whilst I know France struggled at the Euros, there is something about the World Cup that makes star man Mbappe light up. We saw it last year with his hat-trick in the final, and I expect the Frenchman to make a statement yet again at the World Cup.