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The supercomputer from British analytics firm Opta has released a new prediction for the 2026 World Cup, dropping current world champions Argentina out of the top three contenders for the trophy.
The algorithm indicates that France has the highest probability of triumph. The chances of 'Les Bleus', led by Didier Deschamps, winning the title are estimated at 27.62%. However, this represents a slight decrease compared to the prediction before the round of 16, when their odds were 28.89%.
Spain is ranked second in the standings. The European champions' odds for the World Cup are calculated at 21.54%. They saw a significant jump after eliminating Portugal, as their chances for overall success were just over 12% before the Iberian derby.
England completes the top three, with a 17.06% chance of winning their first World Cup title in 60 years. Similar to Spain, the 'Three Lions' also significantly improved their odds after the round of 16, before which Opta had given them only 8%.
Reigning world champions Argentina are now in fourth place with a 15.9% probability of defending their trophy. Before their match against Egypt, the 'Gauchos' were considered the second main favorite by the supercomputer, with a 16.32% chance.
Opta analysts believe that a potential triumph by any of the other four quarter-finalists – Norway, Morocco, Belgium, and Switzerland – would be a huge surprise. Their chances range between 3.5% and 6.5%.
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