World Cup 2026 for Dummies (Like Me): Group Previews/Predictions, Players to Watch, Winner Prediction

Luke Loew
Jun 11
12 min read

The World Cup kicks off TODAY People -- one of the greatest Sporting Events in the World, being played on American soil for the first time in my lifetime. Today, we're all Field Fairies (just kidding Soccer Fans, please keep reading).

As you know if you're an avid reader of Bean's Blog -- I'm not a big Futbol Fan. In fact, this is quite literally my first Soccer Blog in the year+ and 160+ blogs I've written. But as you also know if you're an avid reader -- I respect great sporting events. The World Cup feels a lot like March Madness to me -- there's favorites, there's Cinderella runs, there's players the whole world roots on, there's high drama and tons of games. The only difference is the World Cup only comes around once every 4 years -- making it an even bigger deal.

Since I'm not a Soccer guy, I've dedicated the past several days to consuming as much Soccer content as I can to familiarize myself with the field -- the favorites, the dark horses, the players to watch, the group fixtures. I've engaged the greatest Soccer mind I know (Shoutout Sean Walsh -- absolute Soccer Sicko and great guy that gave me all the notes I could handle), as well as some podcasts and talking heads, and grinding film in preparation.

But rather than going in-depth and pretending I know what the fuck I'm talking about -- I want to give my World Cup 101 for the average Sports Fan out there, like me. How the format works, what the groups look like, what teams will be fun to watch/could surprise people in their group, the players to watch, etc. And of course, it can't be a Bean's Blog Preview without some ill-informed predictions -- and I've got some Hot Takes I'm ready to unleash.

World Cup Formatting

For anyone like me who tunes in to the World Cup every four years and doesn't pay attention otherwise -- there's one major change to note. In previous years, the World Cup featured 32 teams divided into 8 groups, with those teams competing for 16 spots in the Tournament -- aka top 2 teams from each group.

This year, the tournament has expanded to a whopping 48 teams -- split among 12 groups. And the Knockout Bracket has expanded from 16 teams to 32 teams -- meaning the Top 2 from each group advance per usual, but additionally, the next 8 teams with the highest point totals will also advance to the Knockout Stage. The Knockout stage is a standard, single-elimination bracket.

The Points work as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 for a loss. If there are teams tied in point total when deciding who advances -- goal differential is the first tiebreaker, followed by most goals in total through the group stage. Each group consists of 4 teams, and you play everyone in your group once -- total of 3 games.

Group Stage Previews/Predictions

Next I'm going to go through each of the 12 groups and very briefly touch on each team -- who's favored to win it, who I think is a dark horse, if it's a group of death or cupcake group, and the players to watch in each. At the end of each section, I'll denote which teams I have moving on to the Knockouts with " *** " and put them in order of finish.

Group A

Mexico

South Africa

South Korea

Czechia

Mexico gets the benefit of playing all 3 games on home soil between Mex City and Guadalajara, which is a good enough bump for me to pick them to top this group. I think they're toward the bottom of "Pot A" -- aka the top teams/favorites of each grouping -- and there's a pair of scrappy teams that could give them fits here. South Korea is very solid, with one of the most likeable players in the Cup in Son Heung-min. Czechia is a nation with lots of up-and-coming young players that will be fun to watch, but as a team don't feel strong. Thanks for coming out, South Africa.

Prediction: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia***, South Africa

Group B

Canada

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Qatar

Switzerland

Another team that will play all 3 Group Stage Games at home is Canada, a big reason Canada is favored in this group. But they have some injuries entering the Cup, and much of their success will be dictated by Alphonso Davies performance as a chess piece defender they can move around the field. Switzerland is just rock-solid across the board. Keep an eye out for Bosnia -- they have 2 talented strikers, one vet (Edin Dzenko) and one youngin (Ermedin Demirovic), and I think they could be a problem for Canada right off the bat Friday -- my first bold prediction.

Prediction: Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada***, Qatar

Group C

Brazil

Morocco

Scotland

Haiti

When I think of International Soccer, I think of the jerseys, legends, and history of Brazil. They're undervalued by some entering the Cup, but even without a banged-up Neymar, this is a team that can go far with loaded forwards and an elite Goalie. Morocco made the Final 4 back in 2022, surprising many out of a loaded group, beating Spain and Portugal before losing to France in the Semis. Led by Achraf Hakimi, the best defender in the world, his performance anchoring a defense they leaned on in 22' is key. Haiti and Scotland have their work cut out for them -- I always pick the team with the best player when both aren't great, and that's Scott McTominay of Scotland: a stud midfielder.

Prediction: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland***, Haiti

Group D

United States

Paraguay

Australia

Turkiye

In the next section, I will be diving much deeper into Team USA for the people. But just as any red-blooded American would -- I'm pulling hard for our boys, and think they should top this group. Turkiye beat the US last year 2-1 in a friendly, and they're making an emotional return to the Cup for the first time in 24 years. Their trio of Uzan, Guler, and Yidiz worries me a lot -- but they're susceptible on defense. Paraguay is inconsistent but talented, and Australia made a run to the R16 in 2022, but I like the top two teams in Group D, and am advancing Paraguay because they always play USA tough.

Prediction: USA, Turkiye, Paraguay***, Australia

Group E

Germany

Curacao

Ivory Coast

Ecuador

GROUP OF DEATH ALERT. These are fewer and farther between in the expanded field for 2026, but this is one of 3 groups I have my eyes on. Shoutout Curacao, that's the end of our Curacao section. Germany is the best team on paper here, and because of their balance and youth, they're the safest bet to come out on top -- though I wouldn't be shocked at all if they finish 2nd.

The two teams I'm most interested in seeing are Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Both were dark-horses for me, and we'll get to see the ultimate contrast in styles as they compete for Knockout berth. Ecuador is a stalwart defensively -- arguably the best defense in the Cup. Ivory Coast has a dynamic attack, led by 19-year old Yan Diomande. These squads square off for their first game, and that result will be huge. I lean Ivory Coast -- mostly because I remember rooting them on growing up.

Prediction: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador***, Curacao

Group F

Netherlands

Japan

Sweden

Tunisia

Boring group as far as my predictions will go -- as I have little confidence in a Tunisia team that's been sliding as of late, and a Sweden team that qualified by the skin of their teeth. But the top 2 teams in Group F are very exciting -- Holland has been one of my favorite teams to root for since I was a kid (sick Orange jerseys, the 2010 & 2014 runs with Robben/Van Persie/Sneijder). And Japan has graduated from Dark Horse status, beating the likes of England and Brazil in friendlies entering play. If not for an injury to Kaoru Mitoma, I'd be tempted to take Japan over the Dutch, but I'm sticking with chalk in Group F.

Prediction: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G

Belgium

Iran

Egypt

New Zealand

The weakest group top-to-bottom in Group G -- led by a Belgium team that should waltz out of the group, but is aging out of elite status. I have no stock in the Kiwi soccer team either, but again the middle teams in this group intrigue me. Egypt has Mo Salah, who was at one point a Top-5 player in the world. His recent struggles are marring their outlook, but I'll never count out Salah on a big stage. And Iran has had the most adversity of any team in the field -- you know, with the whole war thing going on. But their team is solid, and if their players are able to get to America for their games -- I think we see 3 teams sneak into the Knockouts from Group G.

Prediction: Belgium, Egypt, Iran***, New Zealand

Group H

Spain

Cabo Verde

Saudi Arabia

Uruguay

Don't want to ramble here either, because I think of all the "Pot A" teams, Spain has a cupcake draw to win their Group. Get familiar with the name Lamine Yamal -- arguably the best player in the world at just 18-years old, but is battling an injury. On paper, Spain may be the best roster in the World Cup. Uruguay is a mystery to me this year, as the roster features good players, but drama and lack of prep games worry me. We saw Saudi Arabia do the unthinkable in 2022 against Argentina in the Group Stage, and Cabo Verde will be a fun team to tune into -- but unless either can earn a draw/win against Spain + beat each other, their road to the Knockouts is long.

Prediction: Spain, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia

Group I

France

Senegal

Norway

Iraq

GROUP OF DEATH ALERT, again. The top 3 in Group I are as strong as you'll find, with star power to boot. France is the favorite to win the Cup for a reason -- from Mbappe to Dembele to Olise, this team is loaded. But Senegal and Norway are legit Top-15 teams in the whole field, and it will be difficult for them to earn the necessary points to advance as a 3-seed, so the 2-seed in this group is huge. The world needs Erling Haaland playing a Knockout Game, but they also deserve to see the high-octane Senegal attack in a Knockout. I'm hoping when Norway and Senegal play, it's a 6-6 draw and they each beat Iraq by 5+ to bump those goal differentials. Or better yet, can either knock off France for a win? I say yes, and am taking Norway to beat France, but lose to Senegal, and France wins the group on GD.

Prediction: France, Norway, Senegal***, Iraq

Group J

Argentina

Algeria

Austria

Jordan

It's famous last words to say Argentina can sleepwalk their way through Group J -- especially after Saudi Arabia clipped them last year before their World Cup Final run. But I don't see anyone in J testing Argentina, and am more excited to see Algeria and Austria battle it out. Algeria is actually coming off a friendly win over Netherlands (who sat key players in the 2nd half), but that may fuel the fire to an upset over an Austria team that excels defensively.

Prediction: Argentina, Algeria, Austria***, Jordan

Group K

Portugal

Congo DR

Uzbekistan

Colombia

Portugal is a team that absolutely has the talent to win this who tournament. Obviously Ronaldo, but he's probably not a Top 5 player on this team led by Bruno Fernandes, reigning EPL Player of the Year. But in Group K, I'm rolling with Colombia -- a team that will have a massive swell of support from Central America cheering them on. They're historically inconsistent, and this year's no different -- but when they're on, they're a super tough out. I think they get hot in Group Play before fizzling out in the Knockouts. Uzbekistan and Congo DR is a toss-up to me.

Prediction: Colombia, Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan

Group L

England

Croatia

Panama

Ghana

Closing things out in the Group Stage is Group L -- with one of the tournament's best players in Harry Kane and England headlining the Group. England isn't fancy, they aren't real exciting -- but they sure know how to play tactical, controlled soccer. They should be safe in this Group, though Croatia is looming, and always dangerous in the World Cup. But Luka Modric is 40 years old, and while they have a solid team around him, I question how deep they can go. Ghana and Panama are frisky, and I could see either team giving Croatia fits -- but another chalk Group for me.

Prediction: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

Team USA's Outlook

I'll put my hand up immediately and admit I don't follow US Soccer as much as I should. I want us to be great, I want us to make a great run in the Cup, but I struggle to keep up with the names and games. But what I've learned about this year's team is it could be our best shot to make a quarterfinal since their last berth in 2002.

The story starts with the fact that we have a new coach this time around -- since Mauricio Pochettino took over, it has breathed a newfound excitement into US soccer. He has experience coaching Tottenham, Chelsea, and PSG. He helped guide the team to a runner-up finish at CONCACAF, but the biggest knock has been his lack of ability to win the Big One. An 0-5 record against European teams is not something you want to see entering the World Cup.

Christian Pulisic has been the Golden Boy of US Soccer for the past several years, and while he's still going to be a massive piece of this team's success, you could argue he isn't the US's best player entering this tournament. Weston McKennie has been a fixture in Juventus' lineup, as well as the US's, for years now. Tyler Adams, our other midfielder alongside McKennie, is to me our best player. He's more defensive-minded than McKennie, but since our defense isn't our strong suit, his presence is all the more important.

The piece I'm most worried about with this year's squad is defensively -- both our back line, and our goalkeeping situation. Ream/Richards/Freeman is likely the crew we'll see defensively -- 3 centerbacks with their clubs, but Richards is the true CB that should lead this group. What Tim Ream are we going to see, and how much will we see is my biggest question -- will his age show, or can he turn back the clock for one more run?

The formation the US employs is a 3-4-2-1 -- aka the 3 defenders above, plus 2 wing backs in Sergino Dest and Jedi (Antonee Robinson) who give our lineup some dynamism. Jedi is more of an attacking wing back, evidence from that screamer goal he scored against Germany recently. Dest is better at getting to the middle of the field and helping out the midfield.

The other biggest concern you'll hear about: our goalkeeping situation. We don't have a true #1 Goalie like in the Tim Howard days -- we're likely to see a combo of two goalies, depending on how things go. It seems likely Matt Freese is getting the nod in Game #1 over Matt Turner, as he's been the primary choice in their last several matches. Neither are stars in net, but they are capable enough to steer the US to wins, if the defense in front can hold up.

Overall, heading into this year's tournament, I do feel like there are good vibes with the USA Soccer Team. For one, we're hosting the Tournament -- that is a bump that is getting overrated. Our guys are most accustomed to the heat that we'll see over the next few weeks, the types of stadiums and fields, etc. We also get the bump of being the "Pot A" team as a host country -- so we don't have a truly elite team in our Group. I think because of that + home field advantage, we absolutely should be able to win our group -- if not, 100% qualify for the Knockout Stage.

If we're able to WIN our group -- it’s a huge deal because the draw is likely to be great for us. Winner of Group D will draw a 3rd place team from one of Group B/E/F/I/J. It will be dependent on the 3rd place qualifiers -- but just going off my predictions above, that could be anyone from Canada, Senegal, Austria, Sweden, or Ecuador. And the winner of the R32 game would play the winner of 1st in Group G vs another 3rd place group team. Group G is headlined by Belgium, which as far as "Pot A" teams go -- is one of the most desirable match-ups we could ask for.

All this is to say this -- the path is absolutely there for US Soccer to make a Quarterfinal game in 2026. Home field advantage + advantageous path is all you can hope for -- and I think I speak for all fair-weather fans and die-hards alike when I say that I pray USA is able to make it through to a Quarterfinal appearance. And once you make a QF — why not win another? Another 2?

Knockout, QF's, SF's, Final Predictions

You can use the Play Fifa website or App to make your own bracket -- complete with picking group stage advancers, 3rd place qualifiers, and knockout brackets. That's what I used for mine, so if anything isn't accurate, blame them not me. If the teams I picked to qualify above, the below is how the bracket would play out -- and these would be my predictions for how the Knockout Bracket will play out: