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The domestic seasons across Europe are winding down, but instead of a summer where we impatiently await the start of the next season, we will have the World Cup to entertain us. Spread across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the biggest sports spectacle in the world is about to get even bigger, as we have 48 teams taking part this time around. You can review the official tournament structure and format on the FIFA World Cup 2026 official page. As always, we will have the group stage first, with the top two teams in each moving on, but we will also have a bunch of 3rd place group finishers also heading into the knockout phase. As we look ahead, we are going to start with picking group winners, after which we will make a pick as to who we believe will become the world champions in the middle of July.
Group Winners Overview
Group A
Mexico has a habit of underperforming at the World Cup, but playing at home will help. I think they will top Group A, with the Czech Republic taking the 2nd spot, although you may want to watch out for South Korea.
Group B
In Group B, one of the other host nations, Canada, should move on, with either Bosnia or Switzerland taking the other automatic spot. Qatar looks like the weak link in this group.
Group C
We have one of the giants in Group C, with Brazil almost certainly set to top that group rather comfortably. The game between Scotland and Morocco will decide who takes the other spot, with Haiti almost certainly set to end the group stage with zero points.
Group D
Group D is where the US resides, and they should be good enough to take the top spot. I would think that Turkiye will finish in 2nd, although Paraguay will feel that they have something to say about that. I don’t hold out much hope for Australia.
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Group E
Germany has themselves a very favorable draw in Group E and should cruise to a group win. I think Ecuador will edge Ivory Coast for the 2nd spot, while Curacao will finish bottom.
Group F
Group F promises to be highly entertaining, but I like the Netherlands to come out on top. Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia could all make a valid claim for 2nd, and I certainly think we will see 3 teams come out of this group.
Group G
I believe it will be Belgium that takes Group G, with Egypt taking the other automatic spot ahead of Iran and New Zealand.
Group H
Spain does not have the easiest task in a very tough Group H, but they will still win it. I like Uruguay to take 2nd place, followed by Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Group I
I like former champions France to win Group I, but keep an eye on Norway, as they could well prove to be a dark horse on this tournament. Senegal and Iraq will battle it out for the 3rd place finish.
Group J
Defending champions, Argentina, will win Group J, with Austria the most likely 2nd place finisher. Algeria may have something to say about that, but I think it will be a tough ride for Jordan.
Group K
Portugal should have no problems topping group K, and I believe that it will be Colombia joining them in the automatic spots. DR Congo and Uzbekistan will be well off the pace.
Group L
Finally, you have to take England to win Group L, with Croatia finishing in 2nd. I think that Ghana has a shot at one of the 3rd place spots, with Panama sitting in the cellar when group play is over.
^Potential World Champions
If you put me on the spot now and ask me who I believe to be the best team in the world, I would say Spain, without any hesitation. They are the favorites to win it all at +450, which I would jump on now. France at +540 are going to be tough to beat, as are England, although they tend to hit a wall when they come up against the best.
Argentina at +800 might well be worth a look. This will be the swan song for Messi, and what better way to end his international career than with another trophy? Portugal and Brazil need to be in the conversation, but my money is absolutely on Spain.
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