The groups are officially set, the draw is concluded, and the roadmap to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title is laid out. With the tournament expanding to 48 nations and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the anticipation for next summer is already reaching a fever pitch. Fans are swiftly moving from speculation to preparation, monitoring other websites like Hellotickets to lock in their presence for the biggest sporting event in North American history.

Following the December 2025 draw, storylines have emerged ranging from legendary rivalries to the “last dances” of football icons. Here is a breakdown of the predictions, key group stage narratives, and the favorites to lift the trophy on July 19, 2026.

The Hosts: Home Soil Advantage?

For the three host nations, the draw provided varying degrees of relief and anxiety.

Mexico (Group A) appears to be the biggest winner of the draw. Historically, host nations often receive favorable paths, and El Tri is no exception. Drawn against South Africa and South Korea, Javier Aguirre’s side is widely predicted to top the group. The match against South Korea in Zapopan will likely decide the group winner, but Mexico should comfortably avoid the embarrassment of an early exit.

The United States (Group D), led by Mauricio Pochettino, also received a favorable hand. Facing Paraguay and Australia—and potentially Türkiye or Romania from the playoffs—the USMNT has a clear path to the knockouts. The opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium will set the tone; a win there likely secures the group.

Canada (Group B) faces the toughest test of the hosts. Drawn against a formidable Switzerland and 2022 hosts Qatar, the Canadians are looking to secure their first-ever World Cup point. With Alphonso Davies hoping to return to peak fitness, the prediction is that Canada will edge out Qatar for second place behind the Swiss.

Star-Studded Group Stage Clashes

While the hosts look safe, other groups promise fireworks. The headline matchup of the entire first round comes from Group I, where France meets Norway. This isn’t just a clash of nations; it is a battle between the world’s two most lethal strikers: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. While France is favored to win the group, Norway’s explosive offense makes them a dangerous dark horse.

Nostalgia defines Group L, where England and Croatia meet yet again. It is a rematch of the 2018 semifinal, with England looking to avenge past heartbreaks under new manager Thomas Tuchel. Predictions see England topping the group, but Croatia remains a perennial tournament overachiever.

In Group G, an era-defining Premier League rivalry goes global as Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium faces Mohamed Salah’s Egypt. With both stars in their mid-30s, this represents perhaps their final battle on the world stage.

The Last Dance for Legends

The 2026 tournament will likely serve as the swan song for the two greatest players of their generation.

In Group K, 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal. Despite a disappointing Euro 2024, Ronaldo is expected to be the focal point of the attack one last time. Portugal has been handed a manageable group including Colombia and Uzbekistan, and they are heavy favorites to advance.

In Group J, all eyes are on Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina. Whether Messi plays a full role or a supporting one, the narrative will revolve around his potential back-to-back titles. Argentina should handle a group featuring Austria, Algeria, and debutants Jordan with relative ease.

The Favorites: Who Wins it All?

According to some sportsbooks, Spain (+450) has emerged as the betting favorite, followed closely by England (+550) and France (+750). While Brazil boasts a terrifying front line featuring Vinicius Junior and France remains a powerhouse, the expert consensus points toward Spain. La Roja has combined a rigid defensive structure with the most exciting young talent in the world. The emergence of Lamine Yamal—who many predict will take this tournament by storm—alongside Nico Williams and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, provides Spain with a balance that other squads lack.

Despite suffering Round of 16 exits in the last two World Cups, Spain’s current trajectory suggests they are ready to conquer the world again.

The expanded 48-team format introduces more variables than ever before, but the cream usually rises to the top. The predictions for the group stages suggest the heavyweights—Brazil, Germany, Portugal, and Argentina—will all advance safely. However, when the confetti falls at MetLife Stadium on July 19, the expectation is that Spain’s youthful brilliance will overpower the experience of Messi’s Argentina or Mbappe’s France. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be Yamal’s tournament.