Hot Press FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions Part 1: Groups I - L

GROUP I

Teams: France, Norway, Senegal, Iraq

Joint favourites with Spain, France are aiming to make their third consecutive final. Few would bet against them, with manager Didier Deschamps able to select from an embarrassment of riches, including superstars like Aurelien Tchouameni, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.

Norway are one of the tournament’s dark horses, with their hopes hanging on an exceptional spine that includes Arsenal playmaker Odegaard and Man City goal machine Erling Haaland. Also fancying their chances of going deep are Senegal, who earlier this year were involved in a major controversy, after their Afcon title was awarded to final opponents Morocco by the CAF Appeals Board, due to Senegal temporarily leaving the pitch due to a penalty decision (Senegal have indicated they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport).

Iraq, meanwhile – making only their second appearance after 40 years – are highly unlikely to make it past the group stage.

Winners: France

 

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GROUP J

Teams: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Few would have predicted Lionel Messi would be back for more in 2026, after the fairytale conclusion to 2022, when after many years after trying, he finally led his country to World Cup glory as the tournament’s best player. For good measure, the final against France quickly became by common consensus one of the greatest football games ever played.

But back the maestro is, and what’s more – with Argentina again featuring stars like Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandes – few would be surprised if his team went damn close to securing back to back titles. Duking it out for second spot in Group J look likely to be Austria, captained by Real Madrid’s David Alaba, and Algeria, led by ex-Man City star Riyad Mahrez.

Jordan, appearing in their first ever World Cup, are unlikely to make it past the group stages.

Winners: Argentina

 

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GROUP K

Teams: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan

Reigning Nations League champions, and anchored by the superstar PSG midfield duo of Joao Neves and Vitinha, Portugal could have conceivably have entered this tournament as joint favourites, were their weaknesses not exposed in qualifying by – of all teams – Ireland, to whom they famously succumbed in Dublin courtesy of a brace of Troy Parrott goals.

Had Ronaldo gracefully accepted the role of impact sub, it’s likely Portugal would be breathing down the necks of Spain and France to win this tournament. As it is, the ongoing soap opera around the 41-year-old Portuguese captain will probably prove their undoing once again.

Elsewhere, the group runners-up slot is likely to be occupied by Colombia, whose star man is Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz. Meanwhile, DR Congo and Uzbekistan – the latter making their World Cup debut – will harbour outside hopes of making the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams.

 

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GROUP L

Teams: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The Four Lions embark on their 4175th attempt to win a major trophy since 1966, this time with master tactician Thomas Tuchel at the helm. Even if Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission was a surprise, Tuchel did tacitly acknowledge Phil Foden’s status as the most overhyped forward in world football by leaving him out altogether.

More costly is likely to be the absence of Chelsea’s injury-ravaged Cole Palmer, meaning more responsibility than ever will rest on the shoulders of free-scoring captain Harry Kane. All things considered, it’s doubtful even Tuchel’s considerable abilities can prevent the inevitable quarter-final exit on penalties, followed by the attendant candle-lit vigils in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Battling England for top spot will likely be Croatia, where somewhat astonishingly, the old guard are still to fore, including Mateo Kovacic (32), Ivan Perisic (37) and 40-year-old captain Luka Modric, who over the past decade has confirmed himself as one of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game.

The battle for third sport is likely to be between Ghana and Panama.

Winners: England

 

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