A supercomputer analysis predicts Spain as the most likely winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing reigning champions Argentina in fourth position.
Data science company Opta utilized a supercomputer to forecast the probabilities for the prestigious international tournament. The forecast positions Spain at the top with a 17% chance of claiming the trophy.
France follows as the second favorite with a 14.1% probability. England secures the third spot with an 11.8% chance of victory.
Defending champions Argentina are ranked fourth, surprisingly, with an 8.7% probability. Germany is projected fifth at 7.1%, just ahead of Portugal, which has a 6.6% chance.
Brazil, another traditional football powerhouse, is notably ranked seventh with a 5.6% probability. The Netherlands (5.2%), Norway (2.3%), and Colombia (2.0%) complete the supercomputer’s top ten contenders.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 next year.
Only six qualification spots for the tournament remain to be decided. These include four from Europe and two from intercontinental playoffs.