The World Cup 2026 is fast approaching, and a supercomputer has rated England and Scotland's chances of success at the summer tournament. The opening game between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled for June 11.
Thomas Tuchel's England side were flawless in qualifying, winning all eight of their games. The Three Lions are being tipped among the leading contenders once again as the men's team looks to end the country's long wait for a second World Cup triumph. England are set for some tricky tests at the tournament after being drawn with Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
The Opta supercomputer gives England a 67.77 per cent chance of making it out of the group and a 69.22 per cent probability of progressing to the round of 16. In the later knockout rounds, England are rated at 47.78 per cent to reach the quarter-final, 30.22 per cent to reach the semi-finals, and 18.79 per cent to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. The supercomputer predicts England's chances of lifting the trophy at 11.05 per cent, making them third favourites behind Spain (15.98 per cent) and France (12.24 per cent).
Meanwhile, Scotland are set to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Steve Clarke's team booked their place after topping their qualification group, achieved through a remarkable 4-2 win over Denmark. Scotland have been drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C. The expanded format means the top two of each group and eight third-place teams will advance to the next round.
Opta gives Scotland a slim 9.93 per cent chance of making it through the group stage, but their odds of progressing to the round of 16 jump to 24.25 per cent if they can navigate their tough start. Scotland are given an 8.8 per cent shot of reaching the quarter-finals, a 2.7 per cent chance of a semi-final berth, a 0.82 per cent probability of reaching the final, and a 0.23 per cent chance of winning the trophy.
