Ahead of the official draw ceremony, a supercomputer analysis has projected England's most probable group for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. The data suggests Gareth Southgate's successor, Thomas Tuchel, will lead the Three Lions into a fascinating Group H.
Projected Group H Opponents
The forecast, conducted by betting outlet JeffBet, places England alongside Colombia, Australia, and Curacao. The supercomputer predicts England will top this hypothetical group with seven points, scoring nine goals without conceding in the process.
England have positive World Cup history against Colombia, having beaten them on penalties in the 2018 last 16 and securing a 2-0 group stage win in 1998. The clash with Australia would carry the extra spice of Ashes rivalry, though the nations have only ever met in friendlies. The most novel fixture would be against debutants Curacao, the smallest nation by population (155,000) ever to qualify for a World Cup, managed by former Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat.
The Path to the Final and Historic Redemption
Beyond the group stage, the simulation makes a stunning prediction for England's campaign. The algorithm forecasts that England will go all the way to the final and lift the trophy, ending 60 years of hurt since 1966.
The projected final would see England face Portugal, with a narrow 1-0 victory for the Three Lions. This would offer profound redemption for a nation that has suffered painful tournament exits to Portugal, including penalty shootout losses in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
For Portugal and their iconic 40-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo, it would represent a last chance to win the only elite trophy missing from his collection.
Predictions for Other Home Nations and Hosts
The supercomputer's analysis also covered the prospects of other British sides. It predicts Wales, under Craig Bellamy, will finish third in Group A behind Senegal and Mexico, with New Zealand in fourth. Scotland are forecast to suffer a cruel exit from a tough Group F, missing out on goal difference to Morocco after tying on four points with Brazil and Uzbekistan also involved.
In a notable surprise, Erling Haaland's Norway are tipped for a fairytale run to the semi-finals in their first tournament for 26 years, even beating Germany on penalties in the last eight. All three co-hosts—USA, Canada, and Mexico—are projected to reach the knockout stages, with Canada anticipated to pull off a shock win over Mexico in the last 32.
The actual draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held today at 5pm GMT in Washington, with former US President Donald Trump in attendance. While the supercomputer provides a compelling narrative, the true drama will unfold on the pitch in two years' time.
