The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and the semi-finals are set to be a thrilling showdown between football powerhouses. The Opta supercomputer has crunched the numbers, and here's a breakdown of the predictions and what they mean for the tournament.
France: The Dominant Force?
The Opta supercomputer predicts France to be the most likely winner of the 2026 World Cup. With a 34.0% chance of lifting the trophy, the French side has been a force to be reckoned with in North America. Kylian Mbappé's eight goals and Ousmane Dembélé's five have been crucial in their success, making them the second team in the last 50 years to have two players score 5+ goals at the same FIFA World Cup. Didier Deschamps's side has earned their 20th men's World Cup victory, making him the first manager to oversee that many wins at the finals. The supercomputer's simulations show France reaching a third consecutive final 57.7% of the time, which is a testament to their dominance.
Spain: The Underdogs?
Spain, the second-most impressive side at the tournament, has a 42.3% chance of making it to the final. Their unbeaten run of 36 matches since March 2024 is the longest in their history, and they have a 23.4% chance of winning the tournament. The supercomputer's simulations show them reaching the final 42.3% of the time, but it's France that they face in the semi-finals, which could be a crucial test for the Spanish side.
England: The Dark Horses?
England, despite not being the most convincing team, has a 50.9% chance of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. The Opta supercomputer has them as the third favourites to win the World Cup (21.9%). Their recent form at major tournaments is impressive, having progressed to the semi-finals in four major tournaments since 2018. However, they face a tough challenge in the semi-finals against Argentina, the defending champions.
Argentina: The Defending Champions?
Argentina, the defending champions, has a 20.6% chance of winning the 2026 World Cup, making them the least fancied of the four remaining sides. However, they have a 49.1% chance of making it past England in the semi-finals. The supercomputer's simulations show them as a strong contender, but their recent extra-time matches and the fact that they are the defending champions could be factors in their favor. The match against England will be a fascinating encounter, as it will be their first World Cup meeting since 2002.
In conclusion, the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals promise to be a thrilling affair, with France, Spain, England, and Argentina all in the running. The Opta supercomputer's predictions provide an interesting insight into the tournament, but only time will tell who will ultimately lift the trophy.
