2026 World Cup: We had AI pick the winner of every game. Here’s who won the title

The 2026 World Cup gets underway this week, as the world’s most popular sporting event takes center stage in North America over the course of the next month. With 104 total matches played — instead of the usual 64 — across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there will plenty of excitement for both die-hards and casual soccer fans on a daily basis.

Spain (+450) is the slight favorite ahead of France (+475) and England (+700) at sportsbooks, while the United States has 50-1 odds to win the country’s first World Cup ever.

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Play 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world’s biggest soccer tournament

We ran every matchup through ChatGPT, using a blended model based on the power ratings from ELO, FIFA rankings and The Power Rank’s soccer model.

Below are the results for which teams advanced from each group, along with results from every knock-out game in the tournament — and a few lines about why the model liked the winning team to advance — to determine a winner.

World Cup group stage results

Group A

Group B

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina: 4 points

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L

Round of 32 results

• Mexico vs. Norway: Mexico 2-0

• Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Switzerland 2-1

• Brazil vs. Ivory Coast: Brazil 3-1

• United States vs. Australia: United States 2-1

• Germany vs. Czechia: Germany 2-0

• Netherlands vs. Egypt: Netherlands 2-1

• Spain vs. Algeria: Spain 3-1

• Uruguay vs. DR Congo: Uruguay 2-0

• France vs. Canada: France 3-0

• Senegal vs. Austria: Senegal 2-1

• Argentina vs. Japan: Argentina 2-1

• Belgium vs. Croatia: Belgium 2-1

• Portugal vs. Ecuador: Portugal 2-1

• Colombia vs. South Korea: Colombia 2-0

• England vs. Morocco: England 2-1

• Türkiye vs. Iran: Türkiye 1-0

Round of 16

• Mexico vs. Switzerland: Mexico-Switzerland 1-1 (Mexico on penalties)

• Brazil vs. United States: Brazil 2-1

• Germany vs. Netherlands: Germany 2-1

• Spain vs. Uruguay: Spain 2-0

• France vs. Senegal: France 2-1

• Argentina vs. Belgium: Argentina 2-1

• Portugal vs. Colombia: Portugal 2-1

• England vs. Türkiye: England 2-0

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Quarterfinals

Brazil 2-0 over Mexico

Brazil’s superior technical quality and attacking depth eventually overwhelm a Mexican side that had benefited from home-continent support throughout the tournament. Mexico remains organized defensively for long stretches, but Brazil’s ability to create chances from multiple areas of the pitch proves too much to contain. A second-half goal forces Mexico to open up, allowing Brazil to seal the match on the counterattack.

Spain 2-1 over Germany

Spain’s midfield control limits Germany’s ability to dictate tempo and forces the Germans into a more reactive game than they prefer. While Germany creates several dangerous opportunities, Spain’s patience in possession eventually opens spaces between the lines. A late goal from sustained attacking pressure sends Spain to the semifinals.

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France 2-1 over Argentina

This heavyweight matchup is decided by France’s ability to match Argentina’s skill while possessing greater overall squad depth. Argentina creates moments of danger through individual brilliance, but France consistently generates high-quality chances through a more balanced attack. As the game progresses, France’s fresh legs and depth become increasingly important.

Portugal 2-1 over England (extra time)

Portugal frustrates England with disciplined defending and efficient possession, preventing England from establishing sustained attacking pressure. England has opportunities to win the match in regulation but cannot convert them. In extra time, Portugal capitalizes on a defensive lapse and demonstrates the composure that has carried them through several close knockout matches.

Semifinals

Spain 2-1 over Brazil

Brazil enters as a slight favorite on talent, but Spain executes its game plan nearly perfectly. By controlling possession and limiting transition opportunities, Spain prevents Brazil from fully utilizing its athleticism and attacking flair. Once Spain takes the lead, it forces Brazil to chase the game, creating additional openings for Spanish attacks.

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France 3-1 over Portugal

Portugal’s impressive tournament run finally runs into a team with elite talent and depth at virtually every position. France’s speed on the wings stretches Portugal’s defense and creates space through the middle for additional chances. Portugal remains competitive early, but France’s relentless pressure produces multiple goals and a comfortable victory.

World Cup Final

France 2-1 over Spain

Spain controls possession for much of the final, but France remains dangerous whenever it wins the ball back. The French attack combines pace, directness and finishing ability to create higher-quality chances than Spain despite having less of the ball. In a closely contested match between two elite teams, France’s ability to convert limited opportunities proves decisive.