Which Teams Are Most Likely to Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32?
⚽Key Points
- The Biggest World Cup Ever. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across Mexico, the USA, and Canada, making it the largest tournament in World Cup history.
- Predictions Based on Current Strength. Teams are evaluated using recent performances, squad depth, international experience, and the quality of their key players.
- Early Favorites to Advance. Traditional powerhouses and in-form nations are expected to have the strongest chances of progressing from the group stage to the Round of 32.
Three countries, Mexico, the USA, and Canada, are hosting the world’s biggest sporting festival, the FIFA World Cup.
With 104 matches to be played between 48 teams, this edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the longest and biggest in the tournament’s history.
While it’s too early to predict which team will lift the trophy, we can surely assess teams’ chances to qualify for the next round.
So, let’s start:
Group A
- Mexico
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Czechia
Mexico and Czechia are arguably the two strongest sides in this group.
However, South Korea has performed tremendously well in the Asian qualifier and possesses the ability to shock the two well-established and tactical sides.
As for South Africa, they’ll have to work really hard to secure the qualification spot.
Besides the lack of experience, their inability to absorb the pressure at a global tournament might cause trouble.
Group B
- Canada
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Qatar
- Switzerland
Canada, one of the host nations, will surely try to capitalize on home advantage and qualify for the next round. As for the second team, I will pick Switzerland.
These 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions are based not only on team form but also on player quality, experience, and the ability to perform under pressure on football’s biggest stage.
On the other hand, Bosnian and Qatari players generally lack the level of experience gained from competing regularly in Europe’s top leagues.
Their domestic football structures also have fewer resources and less depth, making it more difficult to consistently produce game-changing players capable of influencing crucial World Cup matches.
Group C
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Haiti
- Scotland
Brazil is an easy pick from this group. From defense to attack, their bases are well-covered.
Plus, their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is experienced enough to beat lower-ranked nations in the group.
Morocco is the second team, I believe, that will qualify from this group. Apart from Brazil, Haiti and Scotland are simply not strong enough to challenge for qualification.
Group D
- USA
- Paraguay
- Turkiye
- Australia
This group is arguably one of the most interesting ones. I’ve already switched to high-speed Comcast Internet to watch my country, the USA, play without buffering. Now, as for their qualification prospects, Turkiye and Paraguay might threaten them.
But the home crowd advantage will be a crucial factor for the USA. For the second team, I choose Turkiye.
Besides Arda Guler, their domestic league supports the national side, which might be the ultimate difference-maker between them and Paraguay.
Group E
- Germany
- Curacao
- Ivory Coast
- Ecuador
Germany hasn’t played well since winning the World Cup in 2014.
However, they’re in a relatively easier group and shouldn’t face many problems in the opening stages of the tournament.
In my 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions, Germany remains the clear favorite to finish at the top of this group despite its recent inconsistencies.
While Curaçao has no realistic chance of advancing, Ivory Coast and Ecuador are likely to battle for the second qualification spot.
I believe Ecuador holds a slight advantage over Ivory Coast due to its balanced squad, recent international experience, and greater attacking threat. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, lacks the elite firepower it once enjoyed during the era of Didier Drogba, making it harder to consistently break down strong defenses in crucial matches.
Group F
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Sweden
- Tunisia
I consider Tunisia the dark horse in this group. However, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and De Jong, the Netherlands is the strongest side in this group and might easily qualify for the next round.
Tunisia and Japan will likely fight for the next spot.
Although Japan’s national side is stronger, Tunisian players are well-known for their attacking style, which might benefit them in creating more chances.
Group G
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
This is the group of death for me because Belgium, Egypt, and Iran are equally potent and effective teams.
While Belgium has De Bruyne and Courtois, Egypt has Mohamed Salah.
On the other hand, there are a handful of teams with excellent link-up play, like Iran.
However, to choose two teams from this group, I’ll go with Belgium and Egypt.
Besides the individual brilliance of these teams, they look much more balanced sides than Iran, with better bench strength as well.
Group H
- Spain
- Cape Verde
- Saudi Arabia
- Uruguay
Beating Spain would be quite difficult for the other sides in this group.
With Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, the Spaniards will likely dominate their opposite at all fronts.
I believe Uruguay has better chances to secure the second spot. Valverde’s tactical prowess in the midfield can create more chances for Uruguay than any other team in the group.
Group I
- France
- Senegal
- Iraq
- Norway
This is an interesting group because Mbappe and Haaland, the alleged successors of Messi and Ronaldo, will compete for the qualification spot. Undoubtedly, France is the strongest side in this group.
Senegal is one of the strongest African sides in this World Cup.
Norway will heavily rely on Haaland’s goal-scoring abilities to get past the group stages. As for Iraq, they’re weak on paper and might fail to match the intense gameplay of other teams in the group.
Group J
- Argentina
- Algeria
- Austria
- Jordan
The current champions, Argentina, are the favorites to win the World Cup.
Scaloni’s men shouldn’t have any problems qualifying for the next round.
As for Algeria, they will be neck to neck with Austria. Although Algeria has the upper hand, Austrian players can turn the game around within a half.
Jordan, on the other hand, has little to no chance of qualifying for the RO32.
Group K
- Portugal
- DR Congo
- Uzbekistan
- Colombia
Portugal’s squad is full of match winners. From Cristiano to Bruno and Bernardo Silva and Vitinha, Portugal is packed with match winners.
For the second team, I’m betting on Colombia. Besides, Portugal, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan might not worry them.
Group L
- England
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Panama
Be it bench strength or covering the bases, England seems far ahead in this group.
However, Croatia has a wizard, Luka Modrić, who can single-handedly destroy any opposition on his day.
As for Ghana, they’ve defeated a few big teams in past World Cups and should never be underestimated.
So, to choose two teams, I’ll go for England and Croatia because they’re more balanced and experienced.
But I’d still expect Ghana to cause an upset.
So, these are my predictions for the RO32.
Before winding up, it’s worth noting that the modern World Cup uses technology extensively, from VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and semi-automated offside systems to advanced performance analytics that help officials and teams make more accurate decisions throughout the tournament.
Also, eight teams that finish third in their group will qualify for the RO32. Their qualification will mainly depend on points earned and goal difference compared with other third-placed teams across the competition.
Based on this criterion, I believe the following eight teams will qualify for the RO32:
- South Korea (Group A)
- Paraguay (Group D)
- Ivory Coast (Group E)
- Japan (Group F)
- Iran (Group G)
- Senegal (Group I)
- Austria (Group J)
- Ghana (Group L)
