By Martin Moses
Opta’s supercomputer has predicted who will win the 2026 World Cup as 48 teams prepare to battle for glory across the Atlantic
Argentina are the defending champions, Spain are the European champions, while Brazil have won it the most times
We take a look at the top five ranked teams according to Opta’s simulations ahead of the tournament that starts on Thursday
Opta’s supercomputer has named the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament now less than 24 hours away.
Opta’s supercomputer has named the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament now less than 24 hours away.
When does World Cup 2026 start and end?
48 teams will troop to North America to battle for the biggest prize in football. The tournament will run from June 11, when Mexico take on South Africa in Mexico City, and end with the final game on July 19 in New Jersey.
Who is likely to win World Cup 2026?
Opta has run its supercomputer simulations and predicted the most likely teams to lift the trophy at the MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Opta predicts World Cup 2026 winner
Spain have been given a 16.23% chance to win the tournament, the highest of any country. La Roja are the reigning European champions after a brilliant run in 2024 and possess arguably the most promising player in world football: Lamine Yamal.
Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man squad doesn’t have a Real Madrid player, with the bulk being La Liga champions, Barcelona.
France are second with 12.84%, with the 2018 champions hoping to go one step better than the losing finalists they were four years ago. Les Bleus boast the most devastating frontline, headlined by Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele.
England are third on the simulations with a 10.92% chance, dimming their hopes of winning their first silverware since 1966. Thomas Tuchel has sparked controversy with his squad selection, but he still has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, led by the clinical Harry Kane.
Can Argentina defend World Cup trophy?
Defending champion Argentina are only fourth with a 10.12% chance. The squad still has Lionel Messi, who is a game-changer any day, but the preparations haven’t been up to par. For starters, Messi and a couple of other players are carrying fitness issues into the competition, and they haven’t played a top side to gauge their readiness.
Portugal are in fifth place with a 7.18% chance despite having one of the most stacked-up squads in recent times. Cristiano Ronaldo is understandably the standout name, but the PSG duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves, coupled with Bruno Fernandes, add some immense quality to the side.
The highest-ranked nation is Morocco, who have a 1.88% chance to win but have been given a 10.17% chance to replicate their semi-final run as they did four years ago.
Why Lamine Yamal won’t wear number 10
In a different report, Lamine Yamal won’t wear the number 10 shirt for Spain.
Yamal will don number 19, with Dani Olmo wearing the iconic 10.
Gavi will wear 9.
