AFCON 2025
France have emerged as the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest projections from the Opta supercomputer, which has tipped Les Bleus to lift the trophy after simulating the remainder of the tournament.
Opta’s predictive model, which factors in squad quality, recent form, historical performances, and statistical probabilities, forecasts a France versus England final as the most likely outcome.
The 2018 world champions have impressed throughout the competition and are considered the strongest of the four remaining teams heading into the semi-finals.
Despite their status as favourites, France captain Kylian Mbappé insists his side is focused on the difficult task that still lies ahead.
“We’re in the semi-finals, and we’re very happy, but there’s still a long way to go. We realise that what lies ahead is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we’re ready to face anything,” Mbappé said.
France must first overcome Spain, the 2010 world champions, who are aiming to reach only their second World Cup final in the last 16 years. La Roja’s possession-based style has once again taken them deep into the tournament, but they face one of their toughest tests yet against Didier Deschamps’ side.
In the other semi-final, defending champions Argentina will renew their historic rivalry with England in a fixture that evokes memories of classic World Cup encounters in 1986 and 1998.
Although Lionel Scaloni’s men remain in contention to retain their crown, Opta gives Argentina the lowest probability of winning the tournament among the four remaining teams, with a 20.03% chance of lifting the trophy.
England, meanwhile, are bidding to reach their first World Cup final since their triumphant campaign in 1966, while Spain hope to add a second global title to the one they claimed in South Africa 16 years ago.
With just four teams left in the race, Opta’s projections place France in pole position, but the supercomputer’s predictions will now be put to the test as the semi-finals determine who advances to the biggest match in world football.
