Football World Cup Preview for 2026

In June, the greatest international football teams in the world will come together to battle it out in the biggest tournament in the World - the World Cup. Hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, FIFA will be hoping their first expanded 48-team tournament is as successful in reality as it looked on paper.

For football fans, we'll be hoping for a tournament full of exciting attacking football, Argentina are the current holders beating France on penalties in a thrilling final and if the 2026 version can live-up to 2022's excitement, we should be in for a brilliant tournament.

Here at LeoVegas, we've compiled the BIGGEST guide to this year's tournament.

Our Predictions:

• Mexico will win Group A.
• South Korea will qualify as Runners-Up in Group A.
• Switzerland to win Group B.
• Qatar and Canada will fail to qualify from Group B.
• Brazil to win Group C.
• Scotland not to qualify from Group C.
• Turkey to win Group D.
• Australia not to qualify from Group D.
• Group E Forecast - 1st Germany, 2nd Ecuador
• Japan to win Group F
• Sweden not to qualify from Group F.
• Belgium to win Group G.
• Iran not to qualify from Group G.
• Spain to win Group H. -Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde not to qualify from Group H.
• Argentina to win Group J.
• Jordan to finish bottom of Group J.
• Portugal to win Group K.
• DR Congo to qualify from Group K.

World Cup Group A Preview: Home comforts for El Tri

Co-hosts Mexico will be hoping to learn from their mistakes at Qatar 2022 and use home advantage to their benefit in Group A of this summer's 2026 World Cup.

El Tri failed to get out of their group four years ago, finishing behind Argentina and Poland, but vociferous home support should help head coach Javier Aguirre's side progress as section winners this time around.

Drawn alongside South Korea, Czech Republic and South Africa, Mexico have the quality and experience to book their place in the last-32 stage and a clash against one of the best third-placed teams.

Our Predictions

• Mexico will win Group A
• South Korea will qualify as Runners-Up.

El Tri to justify favouritism

Before failing to get out of the group in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout stages in their last eight World Cups and they can right the wrongs from that showing in the Middle East.

El Tri have an experienced squad with the defensive trio of Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez and Jesus Gallardo having in excess of 200 caps between them, while forward Raul Jimenez has over 120 by himself.

Add in the likes of Obed Vargas, Brian Gutierrez, Denzell Garcia and Armando Gonzalez, who are all 23 years of age or younger, and there is a nice blend of youth and experience in the Mexico set up.

Mexico have been unlucky when running into one of the bigger nations at previous World Cups, often having to settle for second place in their group and a harder knockout tie, but they are the top dogs this time with South Korea, Czech Republic and South Africa up against them.

Taegeuk Warriors to grab second spot

With top spot expected to go the way of Mexico, there will be a scrap to finish second between the other three teams and ensure a place in the last-32 stage.

South Africa will likely struggle the most out of the trio, as they have suffered group-stage exits in all three World Cups and lack the strength in depth to be competitive on the biggest stage.

That leaves the Czech Republic and South Korea fighting it out and it could be the latter who come out on the winning side of this battle.

The Taegeuk Warriors have reached the knockout stages in three of their last six appearances in the tournament, notably finishing fourth when they co-hosted in 2002.

South Korea went unbeaten throughout qualifying, winning 11 and drawing five of their 16 fixtures, and they defied the odds in Qatar when ending up second in a group that included Portugal, Uruguay and Ghana.

Czech Republic were last at a World Cup in 2006 and they failed to make the knockouts that year, which is exactly what happened when they didn't win a single game at the 2024 European Championship.

Penalty shootout victories over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark were required to seal the Czechs' place at this summer's event and targeting one of the best third-placed team slots may be the best they can hope for.

World Cup Group B Preview: Swiss to show their class

Switzerland look to have landed a favourable draw in Group B of the 2026 World Cup and they will be difficult to stop in their pursuit of top spot in this section.

The Swiss have been drawn alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and 2022 hosts Qatar, with Bosnia the only one of those three nations to have won a World Cup match.

Switzerland are vastly more experienced than their rivals, having made their debut in this major tournament in 1934 and reached the quarter-finals three times.

World Cup Group B Tips

• Switzerland to win Group B
• Qatar and Canada will fail to qualify

Resolute Swiss to clinch top spot

Switzerland made serene progress during qualifying, going unbeaten with four wins and two draws, and they will feel confident of replicating that strong form in the finals.

The Swiss have failed to get out of the group in just one of their last six World Cups and they also reached the quarter-finals in the last two European Championships.

Failing to reach the knockout stages is not something that Switzerland are accustomed to and they have more than enough quality in their squad to win Group B.

Switzerland conceded just two times in qualification, evidence of their strong backline, while Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Remo Freuler are three quality operators in midfield.

In the final third, Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Noah Okafor are solid attacking options and this well-balanced squad can progress as section winners.

Duo set for more World Cup struggles

Bosnia overcame both Wales and Italy on penalties in the play-offs to reach the finals and that type of grit and determination should be enough to see them clinch second spot in the group.

However, there may not be much to shout about for co-hosts Canada and Qatar, who have limited World Cup experience and may struggle to make any kind of mark.

Canada last appeared in this tournament in 1986, losing all three matches, and the lack of creativity and cutting edge in their squad is a huge concern.

Qatar made their World Cup debut in 2022 as hosts, but even strong home support wasn’t enough to stop them from losing all three games.

The Maroon One finished bottom of Group A in the 2025 Arab Cup, collecting just one point from a possible nine, and they are lacking in every department.

Even experienced head coach Julen Lopetegui has failed to get this team firing on all cylinders since being appointed in May last year, and anything other than another struggle of a World Cup would be a surprise.

Even though the eight best third-placed teams will qualify for the last-32 stage, whichever of Canada and Qatar finishes third in Group B is unlikely to have the required points to progress.

World Cup Group C Preview

Brazil begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup when they take on Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C.

Serial winner Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the Selecao in May 2025 and while there have been some disappointing performances during his time at the helm, this is the moment when this nation steps up.

Africa Cup of Nations winners Morocco enjoyed a superb run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 and they will be hoping for another deep run.

Scotland are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 but they have never made it to the knockout stage of a major event and more struggles could be forthcoming.

It could also be a difficult tournament for Caribbean minnows Haiti, who featured in the 1974 edition and lost all three matches on that occasion.

Group C: Our Predictions

• Brazil to win Group C
• Scotland not to qualify

Group C: Brazil to land top spot

Brazil finished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying, winning just eight of their 18 matches, but while there may have been some poor results during that period, they achieved the main aim of reaching the finals.

The Selecao’s squad is stacked with quality, especially in the final third with Vinicius Junior, Endrick and Matheus Cunha to name a few, and top spot in Group C will be the one and only goal.

Brazil have topped their section in the last 10 World Cups and as long as they can successfully negotiate their opener against Morocco, there should be no problems in their attempts to progress in first place.

Head coach Ancelotti is a master tactician when it comes to knockout football, evidenced by his five Champions League wins as a manager, and he will have his eyes on lifting a piece of international silverware for the first time in his career.

Group C: Tough World Cup return for the Scots

Back at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years, Scotland have waited a long time for this moment but it could turn out to be another early exit.

Eight times the Scots have played in this tournament and each time they have failed to reach the knockouts, winning just four matches along the way.

Steve Clarke’s side have plenty of energy and endeavour but the lack of quality in their squad often hurts them when coming up against the bigger nations.

A lack of a clinical striker is a concern, especially as they may not get many scoring opportunities against Brazil and Morocco, while a fragile defence leaves a lot to be desired.

Scotland have enough in the ranks to get the better of Haiti, who look like they will be the whipping boys of the group, but defeats are expected against the other two nations and three points may not be enough to grab one of the eight best third-placed team spots.

World Cup Group D Preview

Group D at the 2026 World Cup looks to be one of the most open in the tournament, with Turkey drawn alongside co-hosts the USA, Paraguay and Australia.

The Stars and Stripes, who have missed the major event just once since 1990 when failing to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia, have been installed as the narrow 7/5 favourites to top this section.

Turkey, who qualified after play-off victories against Romania and Kosovo, are appearing in a World Cup for the first time since finishing third back in 2002.

Paraguay are back on the big stage for the first time in 16 years, when they reached the quarter-finals in 2010, while Australia will be making their sixth successive appearance in the competition.

Group D Predictions

• Turkey to win Group D
• Australia not to qualify

Group D: Turkey ready to deliver

Turkey found Spain too good in Group E qualifying, forcing the Crescent-Stars to qualify via the play-offs, and they managed to successfully navigate their way past both Romania and Kosovo.

While it is 24 years since Turkey last featured in the World Cup, they have appeared in four European Championships since, finishing third in 2008, exiting at the group stage in 20216 and 2021, and reaching the quarters in 2024.

Vincenzo Montella’s side have a strong spine in their team, with Ugurcan Cakir a safe pair of hands in between the sticks, Ozan Kabak solid in defence, Hakan Calhanoglu bringing creativity and experience in the middle and Kerem Akturkoglu leading the line.

Add in the likes of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz and there is plenty to like about this Turkish side, who have plenty of strength in depth.

It has been a long time coming for Turkey to return to a World Cup and they can progress to the knockout stages as Group D winners.

Group D: Aussies in line for early exit

Australia will be playing in their seventh World Cup, but they have failed to get out of the group stage four times, and they could struggle to make the knockouts again.

AFC qualifying is not as strong as other routes countries have to go down to make the finals and this doesn’t serve the Aussies well when it comes to the major tournaments.

Australia are lacking that x-factor in their squad, especially in the attacking third, and their lack of goals is expected to hurt their chances of progressing.

Co-hosts the USA will have home advantage on their side and with experienced manager Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, along with a talent roster to choose from, the Stars and Stripes should have enough to compete.

Paraguay are also a well-drilled, talented outfit, evidenced by qualifying victories over Argentina and Brazil, and they should have enough quality to progress.

Australia look like the weakest team in this section and they could be heading back Down Under sooner than they had hoped for.

World Cup Group E Preview

Four-time world champions Germany have been housed with Ivory Coast, Ecuador and debutants Curacao in Group E of the 2026 World Cup in what promises to be an interesting battle to reach the knockout stages.

No country has played in more World Cup finals than Die Mannschaft, who last reached the showpiece match in 2014, when beating Argentina 1-0 after extra-time at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

This will be Ecuador's fifth appearance in the major event, last seen failing to get out of the group in Qatar 2022, and they arrive on the back of an impressive CONMEBOL qualifying.

Ivory Coast are returning to the big stage for the first time since 2014, when they fell short in their bid to reach the knockout stages, while Curacao are getting set for their maiden World Cup finals outing after winning Group B in the third round of CONCACAF qualification.

Group E Predictions

• Germany to win Group D
• Forecast - 1st Germany, 2nd Ecuador

Group E: Germany to negotiate tricky group

Germany have suffered group-stage exits at the last two World Cups, were dumped out at the last-16 stage at Euro 2021 and the quarter-finals in that tournament three years later, so it's safe to say they have not been meeting expectations.

This will be head coach Julian Nagelsmann's first time managing at a World Cup and after the Euros disappointment in 2024, there is a degree of pressure on the former Bayern Munich boss to deliver a first piece of silverware for Die Mannschaft since 2014.

After making a losing start to qualifying for the 2026 edition, Germany won their remaining five games to top their section and book a 19th consecutive World Cup appearance.

Germany have plenty of defensive options to choose from - Antonio Rudiger, Malick Thiaw and Jonathan Tah to name a few - while captain Joshua Kimmich is the most experienced player in the squad and continues to be integral to this side.

But it is the attacking options that set Die Mannschaft apart from their three rivals in Group E, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl all providing great quality in the final third.

With Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade adding to Nagelsmann's attacking unit, there looks to be enough talent to ensure Germany progress to the last 32 as section winners.

Group E: Ecuador can land second place

While Curacao will be delighted to have qualified for their first World Cup, they could be in for a rough ride against teams of this calibre and anything other than a rock-bottom finish would be a huge surprise.

That leaves the Ivory Coast and Ecuador fighting for the last guaranteed spot in the knockout stages - they both could advance with the eight best third-placed teams progressing - and it is La Tri who get the nod.

Ecuador may have a poor record in this tournament, making it out of the groups just once in four attempts, but they finished second behind Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying and that was some effort to end up ahead of the likes of Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.

The Ivory Coast didn't concede a goal in 10 qualifying matches, edging out Gabon to top spot by one point, but they struggle to replicate that level of performance when it comes to the World Cup.

In their three cracks in this tournament, the Elephants have failed to get out of the group on each occasion and, while they may be able to change that this year, it will have to be as one of the best third-placed teams.

World Cup Group F Preview

Of the 12 groups at the 2026 World Cup, section F looks to be one of the most difficult to get out of with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia set to battle it out.

The Dutch are regarded as the best country yet to have lifted the Jules Rimet trophy and they have come close on numerous occasions, finishing runner-up for the third time in 2010.

Sweden collected just two points from six matches in an abysmal qualifying campaign in Group B, but they managed to reach the finals after going through the play-offs.

Japan topped their AFC third-round group to secure their place at an eighth World Cup in a row and they have shown solid form in the build-up to the major tournament.

After breezing through a soft CAF qualifying group, Tunisia look to have landed in a tough section and while they must be respected, making it to the last 32 is a big task.

Group F Predictions

• Japan to win Group F
• Sweden not to qualify

Group F: Japan can land top spot

Japan are a well-drilled, organised unit that boasts some very technical players and they may have enough quality to go through as group winners.

The Samurai Blue have reached the last-16 stage in four of their seven World Cups, including the last two, and they have some real difference-makers in their squad this year.

Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is one of the best attacking talents in the Premier League, Ao Tanaka is a huge force in the middle of the park, and the trio of Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda and Koki Ogawa provide quality in the final third.

The Netherlands look like the obvious challengers to Japan in the battle for first, but the Dutch are not rock-solid at the back and they could be punished if they are not on top of their game.

Japan showed they have what it takes to compete with the best when beating England 1-0 in a friendly in March and a path to the knockouts as section winners is attainable.

Group F: No magic touch from Potter for Sweden

Sweden can count themselves lucky to have reached the finals after such a dismal showing in qualifying Group B, with two draws and four defeats from their six matches.

Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked as head coach during qualifying, replaced by Graham Potter, who failed to win either of his first two games in charge.

The Swedes had a second chance to reach the finals via the play-offs and they managed to oblige, beating Ukraine 3-1 in the semi-finals and Poland 3-2 in the final.

There is undoubted quality in this Sweden squad - Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji being two of those - but one of their key men, Alexander Isak, has endured a miserable season with Liverpool.

Former Newcastle hitman Isak has struggled with injuries, and a lack of form since the switch to Anfield is a huge concern for the Swedes, who need their talisman fit and firing.

With Potter still working out his best XI and some of his first-team stars in poor form, this could be a disappointing World Cup for the Blue and Yellow.

World Cup Group G Preview

Belgium will have designs on winning the 2026 World Cup and they look to have been handed a favourable draw in Group G.

Alongside the Red Devils are two teams who have never won a game at this tournament - Egypt and New Zealand - and an Iran side yet to reach the knockout stages in six attempts.

Everything points towards a section win for Belgium, who look to have a kind route to the quarter-finals before then potentially running into sterner opposition.

Second and third will likely be a battle between Egypt and the All Whites, while Iran could be in for another disappointing outing.

World Cup Group G Predictions

• Belgium to win Group G
• Iran not to qualify

Group G: Hard to look past the Red Devils

This is arguably the easiest group on paper for one of the leading teams in the world, with Belgium barely believing how favourable their run to the latter stages of the competition looks.

Rudi Garcia's side were unbeaten in qualifying, winning five and drawing three, and they were the second-highest scorers in UEFA qualification with 29 goals.

That impressive attacking form highlights an area of strength in the squad, with Jeremy Doku, Dodi Lukebakio and Alexis Saelemaekers just some of the options available to the manager.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg for this squad stacked with quality, as they have Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans and Charles De Ketelaere in midfield.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens has enjoyed a strong season with Manchester United and he offers a needed reassurance between the sticks, while there is a good blend of youth and experience in defence.

Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate and Zeno Debast are all very experienced at international level and there is lots to like about Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele, who should be a part of the national side for years to come.

A group-stage exit at Qatar 2022 was a big shock for Belgium and they can wrong the rights of that poor showing by advancing as section winners this summer.

Egypt and New Zealand have never won a World Cup game and it would be a huge surprise should either of those two manage to finish top, as it would be for Iran.

Group G: Iran may struggle to compete

International tensions between the USA and Iran have not allowed for an easy build-up and Team Melli could be set for a quick exit in the group.

Although winning Group A in AFC qualifying, the strength of opponents Iran faced are below the levels of both Belgium and Egypt, while it can be argued that Iran sit closer to the level of New Zealand, who are also expected to depart from the U.S early in the tournament.

Victories over Morocco and Wales in the last two tournaments will give Iran hope but on this occasion, the conditions give Egypt an edge in the battle for second place.

World Cup Group H Preview: La Roja to make serene progress

Reigning European champions Spain will be looking to add a second World Cup win to their CV when they head to the 2026 edition in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

La Roja overcame England to a fourth European crown two years ago and they have been installed as the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet trophy for the second time, having done so back in 2010.

It should be a serene start to the tournament for Spain, who have been drawn alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde in Group H and are heavy odds-on to reach the knockout stages as section winner.

Uruguay, second favourites to top the group, were dumped out at the first stage at Qatar 2022, but the two-time champions will be desperate to make amends for that poor showing and should advance as runners-up.

As for Saudi Arabia, they have made it out of the group just once in their six World Cups, while debutants Cape Verde will do well not to finish bottom of this section.

World Cup Group H Predictions

• Spain to win Group H.
• Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde not to qualify.

Spain to show their class

Pre-tournament favourites Spain have been handed what looks to be a soft opening to the tournament and they are unlikely to be hugely tested until a potential quarter-final clash against Belgium.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has a plethora of options to choose from in every department and they are one of the hardest teams to play against, combining a sturdy defensive resilience with sublime attacking.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the anchor in this side, allowing the likes of Pedri and Dani Olmo to create scoring opportunities for Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain went unbeaten through qualifying, winning five times and drawing once, and their tallies of 21 goals scored and two conceded is evidence of how strong they are at both ends of the pitch.

La Roja have been group winners in four of their last six World Cups and they look very likely to make that five in seven.

Duo set for early exits

The fact that the eight best third-placed teams will qualify for the last-32 stage offers more nations the hope of reaching the knockout stages, but both Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde may struggle to get the required amount of points to progress.

Cape Verde are set for their World Cup debut and while they performed well to qualify top of CAF Group D, finishing four points ahead of Cameroon, this step up in class will likely prove too much for them.

Saudi Arabia have failed to make it to the knockouts in their last five World Cups and their squad lacks the strength in depth required to seriously compete. Another early exit is on the cards for The Green One.

World Cup Group J Preview: Defending champs to breeze through

Defending champions Argentina are the star attraction in Group J at this summer's World Cup and Lionel Messi and co should make lightwork of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Messi inspired La Albiceleste to their third world title in Qatar four years ago, as they dispatched France on penalties following a thrilling final that finished 3-3.

Now bidding to become the first nation to retain the title since Brazil in 1962, Argentina have been handed a favourable group-stage draw where they will come up against Austria, Algeria and tournament debutants Jordan.

Austria have been regular features at the Euros over recent years, but this will be their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998, while they have not been beyond the first stage for 44 years.

Algeria did make the knockout stages in 2014 when they were edged out by eventual champions Germany in extra time, but this will be their first appearance at the finals since that credible showing.

This will be all new for Jordan, who have made it to their first World Cup after finishing behind only South Korea in their AFC qualifying group.

World Cup Group J Predictions

• Argentina to win Group J.
• Jordan to finish bottom of Group J.

No shock exit for defending champions

Three of the last four World Cup winners have exited the following tournament in the group stage, but where Italy, Spain and Germany have fallen short in the past, Argentina should have no such issues.

Lionel Scaloni's side breezed through South America's gruelling qualifying campaign, winning 12 of their 18 games, while they also made it back-to-back Copa America successes by beating Colombia in the 2024 final.

With Messi set to play at his last World Cup, he will be desperate to go out on a high, but even if the soon to be 39-year-old is no longer able to drive the team forward, Argentina still boast one of the strongest squads in international football.

The three-time world champions should certainly have too much for tournament rookies Jordan, and while Austria and Algeria are both capable of causing problems for anyone on their day, they do not have the same quality to call upon as Group J's standout team.

Jordan's debut to end early

Jordan are one of four teams set to make their World Cup debuts at this expanded tournament, but Jamal Sellami's side may only spend a brief time in North America.

The Chivalrous Ones will be an unknown quantity to many, with only captain Musa Al-Taamari playing in one of Europe's big leagues with Rennes, and their results since qualifying have hardly inspired confidence, as they have failed to beat Nigeria, Costa Rica, Mali, Albania and Bolivia - all teams that have not qualified for this year's tournament.

With Argentina a class above the rest of the group, Austria holding plenty of experience after making the knockout stage of the last two Euros, and Algeria boasting individual talent such as Riyad Mahrez, this appears a tall order for Jordan, who look set to exit before the tournament really gets going.

World Cup Group K - Preview

In Group K, it seems like a formality that Portugal and Colombia will qualify from this group, this is due to the lack of resistance many are expecting from Uzbekistan. Fabio Cannavaro’s side are part of a list of 5-6 teams who are widely expected to end the competition with zero points.

Their final match on June 27th against DR Congo in Atlanta will likely determine who - if either side finishes in that third place play-off. Of course, that comes with many writing off Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo.

Their top players Aaron Wan Bissaka, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa have all had difficult seasons. However, Noah Sadiki at Sunderland and Chancel Mbemba have been very impressive with their respective teams this season.

A number of DR Congo players have found minutes hard-to-come by following DR Congo’s World Cup qualification clinching ceremony, which meant many players, such as Chancel Mbemba missed a crucial extra match for their side.

Our Predictions:

• Portugal to win Group K.
• DR Congo to qualify from Group K.

Portugal to ease past minnow opposition

Portugal are huge favourites to win Group K and the opposition in Group K is why many are considering Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao for the Golden Boot at this tournament.

Their opening game will see them take on DR Congo, before taking on Uzbekistan in the second game and their final match against Colombia which will likely determine who finishes first and second in the group. It is expected that both teams will win their opening two games with relative ease and Portugal, with more offensive firepower, will likely be in the driver's seat going into the final group game clash.

However, Colombia are a nation that tend to score a chunk of goals against so-called weaker opposition, in the last 12 months, they’ve averaged over two goals a game, scoring six against Venezuela, four against Mexico and three against Australia and looked a threat against World Cup favourites France, matching them for shots on target and surpassing their set-pieces in the game.

It is also worth noting that, it could be in the best interest of both teams to win the group rather than finish second, as finishing second will likely put you on the same side of the draw as France and Spain. So that takes that argument out of the way here.

DR Congo to make history in the U.S

We may have expressed concern regarding DR Congo’s stronger players but it is still expected that the African nation will pick up their first win at the tournament against an Uzbekistan side that will contain Abdukodir Khusanov from Manchester City and Roma’s Eldor Shomurodov.

Realistically, DR Congo’s qualification will come down to their defensive stability, they haven’t conceded more than one goal during a game since September 2025, conceding three goals in ten games - admittedly against significantly weaker opposition than Portugal and Colombia.

World Cup Group L - Preview

England kick off their World Cup group against familiar opposition, after facing Croatia three times in 2018, twice in the UEFA Nations League and once in the World Cup semi-final, which saw Croatia advance. They also met in the opening fixture of the 2020(2021) European Championships, in which England were victorious 1-0.

They have also met 4th seeds Panama in this competition, beating them 6-1 in the group stage back in 2018.

Their final opposition in the group stages is Ghana, who have won just one of their six matches since being controversially eliminated from the tournament by Uruguay in 2010; however, they scored in 5 out of those six games, including two fixtures against Portugal and one against Germany.

Our Predictions:

• England to win Group L.
• DR Congo to qualify from Group K.

England searching for positives in America.

Theoretically, England should win this group at a landslide, Croatia are weaker than in previous tournaments, meanwhile, they should have more than enough to deal with Ghana and Panama.

Winning the group also does England a lot of favours in regards to who they could play; in simulations, England’s most frequent route to the final is:

• 3rd Place team - likely Ecuador, Senegal, Algeria or DR Congo
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Spain

Meanwhile, England’s most frequent route to the final if they finish as runners-up is:

• Colombia
• Spain
• Belgium
• France
• Argentina

Anything can happen and simulations are almost always incorrect. However, the statistics are there for a reason.

England’s most likely finish in this competition is eliminated in the round of 16 or quarter-final according to the betting odds.

If they win their group, England should at least make it to the quarter-finals if Senegal and Mexico are their most likely opposition but they are incredibly inconsistent and Senegal do have a victory over Thomas Tuchel and England in recent years.

Querioz to turn back the clock with the Black Stars.

With eight out of 12 third-placed teams qualifying for the next stage of the competition, it’s hard to see a team with three points dropping out. However, Ghana could well be one of those teams.

73-year old Carlos Queiroz has taken over at the helm after Otto Addo was sacked just 72-days before the tournament and given they failed to qualify for AFCON and only had to beat Madagascar, Mali and Comoros to get here, standards weren’t particularly high. After losing four games in a row to Japan, South Korea, Austria and Germany, the confidence in Ghana of their progression is very low.