The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday. Running from June 11th to July 19th, the much-anticipated tournament will bring exciting matches in the world’s sport. 48 teams, through 104 fixtures, will give their all to achieve world glory. Argentina enters the tournament as defending champions after defeating France in the 2022 Final. Ahead of Thursday’s start of the tournament, here are bold predictions.
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The United States Fails to Advance from Group D
The US has had a rough stretch in the World Cup. The nation’s best finish was 3rd place in 1930. After failing to qualify in 2018, the United States were knocked out in 2022’s Round of 16. Qualifying as co-hosts, the United States starts in Group D with Australia, Paraguay, and Turkey. The US has the highest FIFA ranking of all Group D nations.
However, the team’s recent struggles are hard to look past. Christian Pulisic is the team’s top player, but he does not have the supporting cast of previous US World Cup rosters that featured the likes of Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore. Once again, the United States struggles in Group play, failing to advance.
Kylian Mbappe Wins Golden Boot at 2026 World Cup
Kylian Mbappe has fared well in his previous two World Cup tournaments. In 2018, Mbappe finished tied for second with four goals. In the last World Cup (2022), the French striker took home the Golden Boot after leading the tournament with eight goals.
The 27-year-old will again lead all 2026 World Cup goal scorers. It will be a second consecutive Golden Boot for one of the world’s finest goal scorers.
Canada Wins Group B
Canada is in its infancy stage with success in the sport. 2026 is the third time the nation has qualified for the World Cup. Les Rouges begin the 2026 World Cup in Group B with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Canada has fared well over the past year and is a team that should not be taken lightly. Forward Jonathan David will lead the team in scoring and see Canada as the winners of Group B.
Spain Wins the 2026 World Cup
La Roja enter the 2026 World Cup as winners of UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2010 World Cup. Spain’s squad has its eyes set on adding a second golden trophy. The nation starts the 2026 World Cup in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
The team will make quick work of their group foes and end the group stages atop of Group H. From there, Spain displays wonderful play on the pitch, advancing through each round. In the Final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, La Roja defeated Argentina 3-1.
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