World Cup Predictions 2026: Early Picks to Win Each Group After FIFA Final Draw

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup can officially begin after the group stage draw in Washington D.C. on Friday revealed the paths to glory for a majority of the teams set to compete in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Our World Cup predictions delves into which teams have the best shot at topping each of the 12 groups at the expanded tournament, which takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Along with predicting who’ll compete in the final, we’ll reveal which one of the 48 teams will emerge as the world champion and lift the sport’s most coveted trophy.

⚽ 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions

Odds via Caesars. See all of our experts' soccer picks leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

💰 Best bets to win each group

Pick to win Group A: Mexico (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mexico, which will be the favorite to open the World Cup with a victory over South Africa, will face the most resistance against a South Korea side that went unbeaten in qualifying. But an experienced squad and passionate home supporters should spring Mexico to the top of the group.

Pick to win Group B: Switzerland (+175) ⭐⭐⭐

Look away, Canada fans, because we’re picking Switzerland to top Group B. The Canadians will undoubtedly be a tough test on home soil in the opening round (for two of the games, at least), but a lack of scoring could be an issue again for coach Jesse Marsch’s side. Things could be even tougher if Italy qualifies via the playoffs, in which case we’d back the 2020 European champions to win the group.

Pick to win Group C: Brazil (-350) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Given the expanded nature of the World Cup and the absence of a true “Group of Death” next year, Group C could be among the most competitive. But (surprise, surprise) we’re still backing favorite Brazil to finish first.

Morocco, a 2022 World Cup semifinalist, will be Brazil’s biggest obstacle, while Scotland and Haiti feel doomed to finish third and fourth in the difficult group. Either way, Brazil’s going to breeze into the Round of 32 with stars like Vinicius, Rodrygo, and wonderkid Estevao leading the way.

Pick to win Group D: United States (+125) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The United States couldn’t have asked for a better outcome at Friday’s draw at the Kennedy Center. Mauricio Pochettino’s side avoided the big teams in Pot 2 when Australia was revealed as one of its opponents, followed by Paraguay and the winner of a playoff matchup.

Paraguay is likely the biggest threat to finish ahead of the U.S., but the United States is familiar with CONMEBOL’s sixth best qualifying team after winning a friendly in September. I’m expecting a similar outcome next June.

Pick to win Group E: Germany (+350) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite the difficult grouping, Germany should be able to prevail and finish ahead of Group E rivals Ecuador, Cote d’Ivoire, and World Cup debutant Curacao.

Cote d’Ivoire is never easy to face, but it’s Ecuador that'll probably make Germany sweat the most after a strong qualifying campaign. But, despite recent woes at the World Cup, Germany is too talented to be kept out of the knockout stage for the third tournament in a row.

Pick to win Group F: Japan (+350) ⭐⭐⭐

The Netherlands impressed with a fifth-placed finish at the 2022 World Cup, but we’re backing Japan to finish as a group winner for the second tournament in a row.

Japan showed incredible perseverance in winning its group against all odds in 2022, finishing ahead of Spain and Germany. Japan is poised for another strong showing at this year’s World Cup in a group where the Netherlands is its only true challenger for top spot. 

Pick to win Group G: Belgium (-250) ⭐⭐⭐

Belgium has the best chance of winning this group and make up for a disappointing display at the 2022 World Cup, when it was knocked out in the opening round.

It won’t be straightforward, though, as Egypt and Iran are more than capable of pulling off upsets. Despite being without Kevin De Bruyne, who retired from the international team, Belgium is still a force with stars such as Jeremy Doku, Youri Tielemans, and Charles De Ketelaere.

Pick to win Group H: Spain (-550) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Failing to top Group H could be one of the biggest surprises of the tournament if Spain stumbles in the opening stage.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente’s Spain followed up its disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup with a dominating display two years later to win the European Championship. Then it mowed down opponents to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, where we expect this side to do the same against inferior teams in Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cabo Verde.

Pick to win Group I: France (-200) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kylian Mbappe’s France should be able to win Group I with ease. But there are a pair of potential banana peels that the French will have to navigate past en route to winning the group, including a date with Erling Haaland’s Norway and Senegal, who famously beat France at the 2002 World Cup.

Pick to win Group J: Argentina (-400) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All eyes will be on reigning World Cup champion Argentina when the action begins next year. While Lionel Messi hasn’t confirmed his participation at next year’s tournament, it’s widely expected that the 38-year-old will star in his sixth World Cup and help Argentina mount another memorable run after winning Group J ahead of Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Pick to win Group K: Colombia (+160) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s probably going to be a two-horse race in Group K between Portugal and Colombia. Portugal is more than capable of winning this group, but we think Colombia can finish ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. based on the attacking prowess the South American nation showcased during its impressive qualifying campaign. Colombia finished third and scored the second-most goals behind Argentina.

Pick to win Group L: England (-250) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After enjoying a perfect qualifying campaign, England has a decent shot at staying undefeated in the group stage after being drawn with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Croatia surprised the world with semifinal appearances at the last two World Cups, but will likely be no match for an England side that arguably has the best collection of stars at the tournament.

🏆 Who will win the 2026 World Cup?

England will finally prevail at a major tournament and win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.

After heartbreaking defeats in two European Championship finals this decade, we’re backing England (+550) to get its revenge against Euro 2024 champion and 2026 World Cup favorite Spain (+400) in next year’s final and secure the country’s second world title.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel’s side, which qualified with a perfect record, is loaded with elite talent who - after reaching the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 - possess the type of experience needed to win the sport’s biggest competition.

After the group stage, England plays one of the eight best third-placed sides in the first round of knockout fixtures. From there, England could meet the winners of Mexico and Brazil’s groups in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, before another tough test in the semifinals.

Spain will be its most difficult match of the tournament, but The Three Lions will rise to the challenge to bring football’s biggest prize back “home” in 2026.

Prediction: England to win the World Cup (+550 via Caesars)