Every tournament produces surprises, breakout stars and unforgettable moments that nobody sees coming. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally underway, here are our predictions for some of the tournament’s biggest betting markets and awards.
ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener: Mexico vs South Africa Prediction.
Top African Team: Morocco
Morocco shattered barriers in 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Four years later, much of that squad remains intact. With Achraf Hakimi leading the way and Walid Regragui still in charge, the Atlas Lions enter the tournament as Africa’s strongest contender.
Senegal, South Africa and Ivory Coast are all capable of deep runs, but Morocco’s experience of navigating the latter stages gives them the edge.
Prediction: Morocco at 3.00.
Golden Glove: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)
Tournament football often rewards goalkeepers who make crucial saves in knockout matches. fifaFew players have a better record under pressure than Emiliano Martínez.
The Argentine goalkeeper was instrumental during Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar and has continued to deliver in penalty shootouts and major finals. If Argentina make another deep run, Martínez will likely be at the heart of it.
Prediction: Emiliano Martínez at 5.00.
Highest Scoring Team In The Group Stages: Spain
Spain possess one of the most exciting attacks in world football.
With Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri and a host of creative talents, La Roja have the ability to overwhelm opponents. The expanded tournament format also increases the likelihood of high-scoring group-stage encounters. With matches against Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, expect Spain to be amongst the goals.
Prediction: Spain at 5.50.
Tournament Total: Red Cards
World Cups are typically more disciplined than domestic competitions, but the expanded format means more matches and more opportunities for flashpoints.
The previous record for red cards at a World Cup was 28 in 2006. With 104 matches scheduled in 2026, it would not be surprising to see the tournament exceed previous totals.
Prediction: Over 12 Red Cards at 1.72.
Best Young Player: Lamine Yamal
This feels like Lamine Yamal’s award to lose.
Despite still being a teenager, the Spanish superstar is already one of the best players in world football. He enters the tournament as Spain’s most dangerous attacking player and will have plenty of opportunities to shine if La Roja make a deep run.
Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Arda Güler are all strong contenders, but Yamal starts as the clear favourite.
Prediction: Lamine Yamal at 2.50.
Player Of The Tournament (Golden Ball): Lionel Messi
The fairytale pick. If Argentina go all the way once again and Lionel Messi plays a leading role, it will be difficult for voters to look elsewhere.
At 39 years old, this is expected to be Messi’s final FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain remains capable of producing moments of magic, and another deep run could provide the perfect ending to one of football’s greatest careers.
Prediction: Lionel Messi at 11.00.
Finalists: Argentina vs Spain
The defending champions against the European champions.
Argentina possess the experience, resilience and tournament know-how that wins World Cups. Spain boast arguably the most balanced squad in the competition and appear ready to dominate international football for years to come.
A meeting between the two would feel like the perfect showcase for the modern game.
Prediction: Argentina vs Spain 17.00.
Top Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé enters the tournament needing just five goals to become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The France superstar won the Golden Boot in 2022 and remains the most feared forward in international football. With France expected to make a deep run, he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his tally.
Don’t be surprised if he leaves North America with another Golden Boot and a place in the record books.
Prediction: Kylian Mbappé at 6.50.
World Cup Winner: Argentina
No nation has successfully defended the FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
History suggests Argentina should struggle.
Yet this squad feels different.
Lionel Scaloni has built a winning machine that thrives under pressure. Argentina have world-class players in every area of the pitch, the best tournament goalkeeper in football and a squad packed with players who know exactly what it takes to win the biggest prize in the sport.
Most importantly, they know how to win ugly. That quality often separates champions from contenders.
Prediction: Argentina at 10.00.
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