# 2026 World Cup Round of 48 Predictions and Starting Lineups
With only about two weeks left until the start of the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup, the tournament has expanded to 48 teams for the first time. The format has been adjusted to 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage, consisting of the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the 8 best third-placed teams. Based on various data models and AI predictions, the championship race is becoming clearer.
## Group Stage Qualifying Predictions
According to a complete simulation of the group stage schedule by the data platform Squawka using AI, traditional powerhouses are favored to advance. In Group A, hosts **Mexico** are expected to secure first place with 7 points, **South Korea** will finish second, and **Czech Republic**, although third, has enough points to qualify as one of the better third-placed teams. In Group B, **Switzerland** will top the group on goal difference, ahead of hosts **Canada**, with both teams advancing.
In Group C, **Brazil** and **Morocco** both have 7 points, with Brazil leading on goal difference, followed closely by Morocco. In Group D, the USA secured first place thanks to home advantage, while Turkey took control of the second-place position after defeating Australia in the first round. In Group E, Germany advanced as group winners with three wins out of three. In Group F, the Netherlands topped the group, and Japan finished second.
This World Cup also saw the emergence of several new teams – Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time. The expanded format lowers the barrier to entry for underdogs; theoretically, weaker teams only need 4 points or even 3 points to have a chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, increasing the possibility of upsets.
## Groups of Death: Groups I and L are Full of Spectacular Moments
Group I (France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq) is considered the most star-studded group of the tournament. Haaland's Norway is grouped with France and African champions Senegal, making almost every match unpredictable. In Group I, **Norway** returns to the World Cup after 28 years. Haaland and Odegaard form a "dual-core" attacking system, scoring 37 goals in the qualifiers and being identified as the tournament's "biggest dark horse" by CCTV's AI model. Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama) is the most balanced group, with all four teams capable of competing; any team's elimination wouldn't be considered an upset.
## Winning Probability Ranking
According to Opta's latest million-simulation predictions, **Spain** tops the list with a 16.08%–17.0% probability of winning. The Spanish national team has maintained a long unbeaten streak in international competitions since their perfect victory in the 2024 European Championship. **France** ranks second with a 12.78%–14.1% probability, with Mbappe leading a red-hot attack. **England** ranks third with 11.01%, with Kane and Bellingham leading a growing and maturing youth squad. Defending champions **Argentina** rank fourth with 10.02%–10.55%, with Messi set to enter his sixth World Cup. **Portugal** (6.84%), **Brazil** (6.48%), and **Germany** (5.66%) follow. The Netherlands (3.84%), Norway (3.36%), and Belgium (2.34%) are also considered competitive teams in the Opta model.
## Predicted Starting Lineups for Championship Contenders
**Spain** (4-3-3): Coach De la Fuente is expected to field a lineup largely composed of Barcelona-style players. Predicted starting lineup: Goalkeeper Unai Simón; Defenders Cucurella, Cubasi, Laporte, Carvajal; Midfielders Pedri, Rodri, Gavi; Forwards Yamal, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams. Pedri is hailed by journalists as the "world's best midfielder," while Yamal is Spain's most active attacking threat.
**France (4-2-3-1):** Deschamps has announced his final 26-man squad. The predicted starting lineup is: Goalkeeper Maignan; Defenders Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Double pivot Choameni and Kanté; Attacking midfielder Olise; Wings Mbappé and Dembélé; Center forward Mouani. The French team's total value is a staggering €1.47 billion, and its squad depth is widely considered the best in football.
**England (4-2-3-1):** Tuchel's Three Lions are expected to field the following lineup for their first match: Goalkeeper Pickford; Defenders Reece James, Konsa, Gueye, O'Reilly; Double pivot Elliott Anderson and Rice; Attacking midfielder Bellingham; Wings Saka and Rodgers; Center forward Kane. Only the center-back position presents a possibility that Stones might start over Konsa.
**Argentina** (4-4-2 or 4-3-3): The predicted starting lineup for the defending champions is: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez; Defenders Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Paredes, McAllister; Forwards Messi, Alvarez, Almada. Scaloni's system is mature and can flexibly switch between different formations.
**Brazil** (4-2-3-1): The predicted starting lineup under Ancelotti is: Goalkeeper Alisson; Defenders Wesley Franca, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Danilo; Double pivot Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Attacking line Vinicius, Paqueta, Rafinha; Center forward Neymar. The Samba Army has an abundance of attacking talent, but midfield depth and the balance between attack and defense at full-back are major concerns.
## Dark Horse Teams to Watch
Besides Norway, **Ecuador**, with its solid defense built by players like Caicedo and Incapie playing for top clubs, is also considered a potential dark horse. **Morocco** reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, boasts a mature defensive system, and is in a relatively optimistic position to advance from their group with Brazil. **Japan** has a proven track record in international competitions, having defeated Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, and boasts a large number of players based in Europe, making them a strong contender for the quarter-finals.
## Tournament Information
This World Cup will kick off on **June 11** at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City (host Mexico vs. South Africa), with the final scheduled for **July 19** at the Metropolitan Life Stadium in New York. 48 teams will compete for the World Cup trophy under a new format.
KXZ Store is dedicated to delivering a fast, secure, and convenient shopping experience. We offer no-registration & express checkout, making your purchase easier than ever. As a one-stop digital service platform, we cover a wide range of gift cards and top‑up services for popular platforms to meet your diverse needs. We stand by our low-price guarantee and strict security measures, ensuring every transaction delivers exceptional value and peace of mind. Above all, we prioritize information confidentiality and privacy protection, fully safeguarding your personal data.