2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with expanded 72-match group stage

Jun 10, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with a record 72-match group stage. Pundits predict France and Spain are top contenders to reach the final, while England's Harry Kane and France's Kylian Mbappé are favorites for the Golden Boot. Key group stage matches include rematches of historic upsets like France vs. Senegal and England vs. Croatia. Ecuador and Japan are tipped as potential surprise teams.

World Cup final predictions

▪One writer predicts England will beat France in the final, citing the team's talent and institutional experience.
▪Spain is also a top contender to win the tournament, with some writers predicting a final against Portugal or Argentina.
▪France is predicted by multiple pundits to win the 2026 World Cup, potentially in a final against Argentina or Spain.

Golden Boot contenders

▪France's Kylian Mbappé is a leading contender for the Golden Boot, having already scored 12 career World Cup goals.
▪Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is a contender for top scorer, with a group stage match against Cape Verde offering a scoring opportunity.
▪England's Harry Kane is considered a strong candidate to win the Golden Boot, potentially building a lead in early matches.

Surprise team predictions

▪The Colombia vs. Portugal match in Miami on June 27 is the most expensive group-stage game, with resale tickets from $2,200 to $3,000.
▪Ecuador is identified as a potential surprise team, possessing a strong defense that conceded only five goals in 18 qualifying matches.
▪France will play Senegal in New Jersey on June 16, 2026, their first match since Senegal's upset win in the 2002 World Cup opener.
▪A key group stage match will be England vs. Croatia in Dallas on June 17, 2026, a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semifinal.
▪The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage features a record 72 matches scheduled from June 11 to June 27.
▪Japan is considered a team capable of causing upsets, having defeated both Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup.

Breakthrough player predictions

▪Mexico's 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora is predicted to be a 'scene-stealing' player for the co-hosting nation.
▪Yan Diomande of Côte d’Ivoire is another player expected to have a standout tournament and attract interest from major European clubs.
▪Spain's Lamine Yamal is highlighted as a potential breakthrough player who could become a defining star of his generation.
▪Antonio Nusa, a 21-year-old winger for Norway nicknamed the 'Norwegian Neymar' as a teen, is tipped as a breakout star.