We asked AI to predict the rest of the 2026 World Cup – Here’s who wins

The supercomputer has spoken..

While, for the first time this century, England can claim to be led by one of the few truly elite coaches in world football, in Thomas Tuchel, they'll still have to overcome the likes of European champions Spain, Kylian Mbappe's France and even defending champions Argentina, alongside a host of other elite sides.

As with every past tournament, from Brazil's 7-1 humiliation in 2014 or Morocco's run to the semis last time out, a World Cup is just about the most difficult-to-predict event in the global sporting calendar.

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Now with just eight teams, from an initial 48, left standing, results are as unlikely to predict as ever.

Few would have suggested that the likes of Switzerland would have been amongst the final eight teams, especially after the Europeans failed to beat Qatar in gameweek one.

And yet, led by the irrepressible Granit Xhaka, La Suisse's dogged determination has seen them achieve their best World Cup performance since the 1950s.

England too have upset the odds, surviving a trip to face Mexico at the legendary Azteca stadium, to secure a game against Norway in the final eight.

France and Spain floated through the opening rounds, without ever having to accelerate into top gear, while heavily-fancied Brazil are already on their way home after a shock exit at the hands of Norway.

Also making up the numbers are Belgium who overpowered the USMNT, even after their opponents had controversially seen Folarin Balgun's red card rescinded after a Donald Trump phone call.

For more of the biggest 'Viral World Cup Moments,' including every step of that Balogun drama, the SportsJOE blog is the place to go, read all about it here.

Back to the matter at hand, and who of that final eight will now emerge as World Cup champions.

In order to eliminate all bias in our prediction, we've requested the support of the machines — in the shape of AI chatbot ChatGPT, to tell us who is the most likely winner.

ChatGPT has crunched the numbers, looked at the underlying stats, and given us the best prediction possible.

How will England get on?

ChatGPT said: "England have produced one of their strongest World Cup campaigns in decades.

"Their route to the quarter-finals has demonstrated resilience rather than domination, but tournament football is often about finding ways to win.

"Harry Kane continues to deliver crucial goals, Jude Bellingham has become the team's driving force in midfield, and Thomas Tuchel has made England tactically more flexible than previous major tournament sides.

"Defensively they have looked more organised, while the squad depth allows them to change games from the bench.

"Norway will be a dangerous quarter-final because of Erling Haaland, but England's superior balance across the pitch should prove decisive.

"A semi-final against Argentina would likely be a tactical battle where England's midfield edge could make the difference."

France vs Morocco, 9th July

The battle between the African and European champions is certainly set for fireworks, especially considering the Atlas Lions have already faced The Netherlands and Brazil, and emerged from each encounter as the clear better side.

Against France however, the AI model has predicted this run to come to a swift conclusion.

Didier Descahmps's side will have too much quality.

ChatGPT said: "France 2-0 Morocco."

"Morocco have already shown they can frustrate elite opponents with their defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat, making this a difficult tie.

"However, France have too much attacking quality and depth. Mbappé's pace against a deep defensive block could be decisive, while France's midfield should control possession.

"I expect Morocco to stay competitive for a long period, but France's individual brilliance eventually creates the difference."

Spain vs Belgium, 10th July

Belgium actually shocked a fair proportion of fans with their result over the USA, after having struggled past Senegal, and finishing level on points with Egypt in the group stage.

Spain it appears, will be a step too far.

ChatGPT said: "Spain 2–1 Belgium. This could be one of the most entertaining quarter-finals.

"Belgium have shown they can score goals and punish mistakes, but Spain's ability to dominate possession and control the tempo gives them the advantage.

"The key battle will be Spain's midfield against Belgium's physical attacking players. I expect Belgium to score, but Spain's technical quality and attacking options, especially through their young forwards, should see them edge through.

England vs Norway, 11th July

ChatGPT said: "England 2–1 Norway."

"This is the hardest quarter-final to predict.

"Norway have been the surprise package of the tournament, eliminating Brazil and possessing one of the world's best strikers in Erling Haaland.

"However, England have greater depth across the pitch and more experience in knockout matches.

"I expect Haaland to cause problems, but England's midfield quality with Bellingham and Rice should allow them to control enough of the game to progress."

Argentina vs Switzerland, 12 July

ChatGPT said: "Argentina 2–0 Switzerland."

"Switzerland deserve huge credit for reaching the quarter-finals, especially after their dramatic penalty victory over Colombia.

"They are organised and difficult to break down, but Argentina have too much experience in these situations.

"Their ability to manage pressure, slow games down and find moments of quality should be enough.

"I expect Messi and Argentina's attacking players to produce the key moments."

Who wins the whole thing?

With ChatGPT predicting England, Spain, France, and Argentina to make the semi-finals at the expense of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium and Morocco, we're just one step away from discovering our champions.

According to the AI model, England will actually progress from the semis, at the expense of their opponents Argentina, reaching a first World Cup final in a generation.

ChatGPT said: "I expect a tight match with both teams cancelling each other out.

"In a penalty shootout, England's recent improvements in preparation and their goalkeeping options could finally help them overcome their knockout-stage history."

On the other side of the draw, France will overpower Spain, thanks to their "pace in transitions," with the prediction seeing them earn a 2-1 victory.

That leaves us with a World Cup final between England and France.

Here's how ChatGPT says it will play out: "England would have a genuine chance, but France's attacking speed and experience at the highest level make them slight favourites.

"Mbappé is the type of player who decides finals, and France have more proven match-winners across the pitch.

"England would finish as runners-up after another excellent tournament, but France would become world champions for the third time."

There you have it: France are preicted by AI to win the 2026 World Cup!