Could These 5 Bold Predictions Come True at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Every FIFA World Cup creates stories that nobody sees coming. Before Qatar 2022, few believed Morocco could become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. In 2018, Croatia shocked the footballing world by reaching the final. Even eventual champions Argentina suffered a stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia before lifting the trophy. Here are five bold predictions that could define the tournament.

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1. South Africa Will Reach The Round of 16

Most pundits would view a place in the Round of 32 as a successful tournament for Bafana Bafana.

We’re going one step further.

South Africa have steadily improved under Hugo Broos and showed their tournament pedigree by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Their success has been built on organisation, discipline and a strong team ethic rather than relying on individual superstars.

The expanded 48-team format also increases the chances of an underdog making a deep run. If Bafana Bafana can navigate the group stage and receive a favourable knockout draw, a Round of 16 appearance is not beyond the realms of possibility.

It would undoubtedly rank among the greatest achievements in South African football history.

2. An African Nation Will Reach The Final

Morocco shattered barriers in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

The next step is obvious.

African football continues to grow in strength, depth and tactical sophistication. Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast and even South Africa have squads capable of competing with football’s traditional powerhouses on their day.

The 2026 tournament will also feature more African representatives than ever before, increasing the continent’s chances of producing another breakthrough story.

A place in the final may sound ambitious, but so did a semi-final appearance before Morocco achieved it.

3. Brazil Will Fail To Reach The Round of 16

Brazil remain one of the favourites every time a World Cup rolls around.

Yet the Selecao’s recent World Cup record is surprisingly underwhelming.

Since winning the trophy in 2002, Brazil have reached just one semi-final and have repeatedly fallen in the quarter-finals despite arriving with some of the most talented squads in world football.

The pressure on Brazil is immense at every major tournament. Expectations are sky-high, and anything less than lifting the trophy is often viewed as failure.

With the likes of Spain, France, Argentina and England also chasing glory, Brazil could once again find themselves exiting earlier than expected.

4. Lamine Yamal Will Win The Golden Ball

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal could arrive at the World Cup as the biggest star in football.

The Spanish sensation has already established himself as one of the most exciting attacking players on the planet, combining elite creativity, goalscoring ability and maturity beyond his years.

If Spain make a deep run, Yamal will almost certainly be at the centre of everything they do.

The Golden Ball is typically awarded to the tournament’s best player rather than the top goalscorer. Think Lionel Messi in 2022 or Luka Modric in 2018.

Yamal has all the tools to join that illustrious list and announce himself as the face of football’s next generation.

5. A World Cup Match Will End 7-0 Or Higher

This may be the boldest prediction of all.

The expansion to 48 teams means more nations, more stories and potentially more mismatches.

While FIFA hopes the new format will increase global representation, it also creates the possibility of footballing giants facing teams with significantly less experience at the highest level.

Imagine Spain, France or Argentina finding their rhythm against one of the tournament debutants.

A result similar to Germany’s 7-1 victory over Brazil in 2014 or Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica in 2022 is not impossible.

In fact, it may become more likely than ever before.