The EA Sports FC 26 engine has successfully predicted Spain as the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending an uncanny streak of correct forecasts to five consecutive tournaments. The prediction, made before the tournament began, came true after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Streak of correct predictions
EA Sports' streak began with Spain's first World Cup victory in 2010, followed by Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022. This year marks the first correct prediction since the franchise rebranded from FIFA to EA Sports FC, starting with EA FC 24. The EA Sports FC official account posted on X: "We called it. You played it. Spain made it a reality. Five predictions in a row, and @SEFutbol lifted the trophy 11M+ times across #FC26 and #FCMobile. Congratulations on your second star."
Simulation accuracy
Mirror Gaming's simulations using the EA Sports FC 26 engine also proved highly accurate, correctly predicting the outcome of 8 out of 11 England and Scotland matches during the tournament. The engine correctly forecast England's Group L opener against Croatia, including the exact scoreline and the method of Harry Kane's 42nd-minute header from a Declan Rice corner. However, the engine missed two England results, predicting a win against Argentina (actual loss) and a loss to France (actual win).
Previous inaccuracies
Despite its World Cup success, the EA Sports engine has not been infallible. EA FC 24 incorrectly predicted England to win Euro 2024, where they lost to Spain. FIFA 23 also wrongly forecast the USA as Women's World Cup winners in 2023, as they exited early. Additionally, Mirror Gaming's initial full-tournament simulation picked Portugal as champions, but they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by eventual winners Spain.
Spain's triumph
Spain's 1-0 victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina secured their second World Cup title, 16 years after their first in 2010. The win was celebrated by Rodri and his teammates in the United States, with EA Sports touting its predictive prowess on social media.
