The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place soon. Opta has released its predictions on which national teams are most likely to win the tournament. Football fans were surprised by the supercomputer’s latest analysis of the leading contenders.
Early Predictions Deliver Surprise
According to Opta’s supercomputer analysis, two previous World Cup finalists, Argentina and France, are not the top favorites to win this year’s tournament.
Instead, Euro 2024 champions Spain have emerged as the leading candidate to lift the trophy.
Spain holds a 16.16% chance of winning the tournament and a 75.12% probability of advancing from the group stage. They are placed in Group H alongside debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and two-time world champions Uruguay.
Meanwhile, France—finalists in the last two World Cups—have a 12.56% chance of winning the title. Les Bleus also carry a 20.74% probability of reaching the final once again.
Defending champions Argentina are predicted to have only a 10.30% chance of retaining the World Cup.
Outlook for the Other Powerhouses
In addition to Spain, France, and Argentina, Opta has also released predictions for several other major contenders.
The Netherlands, a nation with a rich World Cup history, will aim to secure their first-ever title under a new generation led by Virgil van Dijk. Opta gives them a 3.84% chance of winning the tournament.
Germany, four-time World Cup winners, remain among the favorites despite ongoing inconsistency in recent years.
Portugal is also considered a strong contender, with a 6.84% chance of winning. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are expected to play a key role in their campaign.
Brazil is predicted to have a 6.48% chance of winning the tournament under manager Carlo Ancelotti, with a squad filled with world-class talent.
Emerging Dark Horses
Belgium completes the top 10 in Opta’s rankings with a 2.34% chance of winning the tournament. Although not among the main favorites, they are still regarded as dangerous due to the strength of their remaining golden generation.
Meanwhile, Norway is seen as one of the most intriguing dark horses. After a 28-year absence from the World Cup, the team led by Erling Haaland is given a 3.36% chance of winning the tournament.
Opta’s predictions should be viewed as data-driven simulations rather than guaranteed outcomes. Football is always full of surprises, where mentality, tactics, and small moments in matches can change everything.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to be an exciting tournament, featuring intense competition between top favorites and dark horses ready to deliver surprises until the very end.
Contact Us :
LiveChat : W88 Malaysia
Telegram: W88Malaysia