The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off across North America, with 48 teams competing in a new format across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. To predict the outcome, EA Sports FC 26's unofficial World Cup mode, The World's Game, was used to simulate the tournament.
Group Stage Surprises
In the simulation, hosts Mexico failed to advance past the group stage, a significant upset given their home advantage at the Estadio Azteca. Scotland also struggled, failing to score a single goal in Group C against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, finishing bottom. England managed to finish second in their group behind Croatia, while the Netherlands were runners-up in Group F behind Japan. Giants like Germany, France, Portugal, Argentina, and Spain all won their groups. Uruguay's Darwin Nunez emerged as the top scorer in the group stage with five goals, two ahead of England's Harry Kane.
Knockout Stage Shocks
The knockout rounds delivered unexpected results. France edged past the Netherlands 1-0, while South Korea eliminated co-hosts Canada with a 3-1 win. The USA followed, losing 3-2 to Germany. Brazil swept aside Japan 3-0, and Portugal and Belgium advanced. However, Spain was eliminated by Algeria in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Argentina also exited, losing 3-1 to Uruguay. England's hopes were dashed in the second round, losing 3-0 to Colombia, with Luis Diaz scoring twice. Iran surprised Switzerland 2-1.
In the Round of 16, France beat Germany 3-1, while Brazil, Norway, and Portugal advanced comfortably. Colombia defeated Algeria 2-1, and Croatia, Uruguay, and Austria—who beat Belgium 2-1—joined them. The quarter-finals saw France eliminate Brazil 1-0, Austria beat Colombia 4-2, Croatia edge Norway 1-0, and Portugal end Uruguay's run.
Semi-Finals and Final
The semi-finals featured dramatic upsets. Austria took France to extra time after a 1-1 draw, eventually winning 3-2 to reach the final. Portugal beat Croatia 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. In the third-place match, France defeated Croatia 3-0. The final between Austria and Portugal was a tense affair, ending 0-0 after extra time. In the penalty shootout, Portugal won 3-2, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the decisive penalty.
Summary of Results
- Winner: Portugal (3-2 on penalties against Austria)
- Third Place: France
- Fourth Place: Croatia
- Golden Boot: Darwin Nunez (Uruguay) – 7 goals
- Player of the Tournament: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 5 goals, 8.1 average rating
- Golden Glove: Mike Maignan (France) – 4 clean sheets
- England: Knocked out in Second Round
- Scotland: Knocked out in Group Stage
