From Scott McTominay overhead kicks to Troy Parrott mania and the stuff of dreams for Curaçao and Haiti, the November international break has been one full of drama.
It has also provided a far clearer picture of what the 2026 World Cup may look like. All but six countries have now booked their places in North America, with the remaining spots to be determined by playoffs taking place in March 2026, which will see four additional European teams qualify.
Along with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Italy are the biggest name in the European playoffs, with Poland, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey and the Czech Republic among others being forced to take that route.
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The remaining two places will come from the inter-confederation playoffs featuring Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia.
The draw for the finals will take place in Washington on Friday, December 5 at midday local time (5pm UK time), but AI has jumped the gun and predicted every group including those teams yet to be officially decided.
Group A – USA, Denmark, Norway, Japan
According to the supercomputer, hosts USA will meet Denmark, Norway and Japan in the group stage. Having qualified automatically due to their host status, America will hope to advance into the knockouts in what would be an interesting group. A lot, of course, relies on whether Denmark can qualify through the playoffs.
The Danes lost late on against Scotland and were forced to settle for a place in the playoffs rather than automatic qualification. Japan, meanwhile, could be ones to watch after they lost just once in World Cup qualifying, and Norway could yet cause a few upsets thanks to Erling Haaland. In a well-balanced group, though, both USA and Denmark would be favourites to advance.
Group B – Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa, Iraq
Like USA, Mexico have had their 2026 place sealed ever since it was announced that they would host the World Cup and the supercomputer predicts that they’ll be handed a fairly routine group to match. Joined by Ecuador, South Africa and Iraq – who just kept their qualification hopes alive with a late victory over UAE – Mexico would be expected to advance in such a group.
Group C – Canada, Iran, Uzbekistan, Republic of Ireland
Canada, the final hosts of the tournament, will be joined in Group C by Iran, Uzbekistan and Ireland – who will need to qualify through the playoffs – according to the supercomputer.
Canada should feel confident if the AI prediction is right. They could top the group in front of their home crowd.
Group D – Argentina, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, Haiti
Can Argentina retain their crown on Lionel Messi’s likely last appearance on the big stage? That’s the question. They turned on the style at times in qualifying and will be expected to advance in a group with Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Haiti if the supercomputer’s prediction comes true.
That’s not to say it’s the most routine group, though. Ivory Coast have a strong team in their own right, boasting the likes of Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra and Evann Guessand. The same, meanwhile, can be said for Switzerland, who have the likes of Granit Xhaka to call on. Argentina should top the group, but then the fight for second place would be on, especially if Haiti cause any upsets.
Group E – Brazil, Croatia, Tunisia, New Zealand
Out of all the groups that the supercomputer has predicted, Group E stands out as the most routine so far. Both Brazil and Croatia would likely compete for top spot, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side favourites to come out on top, whilst Tunisia and New Zealand battle it out for third place.
There would still be room for some shocks, but the dominance of Brazil and Croatia would likely prove too strong. Ancelotti’s side will especially be one to watch, as they weigh-up whether to bring Neymar to the World Cup and others in pursuit of glory at long last.
Group F – Uruguay, Netherlands, Egypt, Jordan
If anyone was ever keen to see Darwin Nunez up against Virgil van Dijk then Group F will be the one for you, according to the AI prediction. It has predicted that Uruguay will square off against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Jordan and the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
On paper, it looks like a routine draw for the two favourites of the group to go through, but seven-time AFCON winners Egypt are not to be taken lightly as long as Salah is fit and firing.
Group G – Belgium, Italy, Senegal, Saudi Arabia
Despite the fact that they’ll need to go through the playoffs, the supercomputer has predicted that Italy will take part in their first World Cup in over 10 years. It would signal a huge sigh of relief around the country if that proved to be the case, but their recent form suggests that it could yet be a playoff to forget once again.
Meanwhile, if they do reach the World Cup, they may still face their demise. The computer has predicted that Italy will meet a brutal group including Belgium and Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest sides, while don’t ignore Saudi Arabia, who beat eventual champions Argentina at Qatar 2022.
Group H – England, Austria, Algeria, Curacao
The supercomputer has predicted that England will be drawn into a group with Austria, Algeria and the smallest-ever country by population to feature at a World Cup, Curacao.
It wouldn’t get much more routine for the Three Lions, who are looking to finally bring football home in the men’s game to follow in the footsteps of the successful Lionesses.
They couldn’t have asked for a better qualification process under Thomas Tuchel, either. England were untouchable going forward and going the other way. They’ve got the players and they’ve got a winning manager. Will this finally be the year?
Group I – France, Scotland, Ghana, Australia
It could be good news for Scotland. The computer believes they’ll be drawn with France, Australia and Ghana. It would be an ideal draw for Steve Clarke’s men, who just defeated Denmark in dramatic fashion to qualify.
The fact they’ve reached the World Cup is an achievement in itself, but they won’t just be there to take part. In a group with France, who are likely to top the group, Australia and Ghana, they should expect to compete for a place in the knockouts.
Group J – Spain, Morocco, Paraguay, Jamaica
Drawn in a group with Morocco, Paraguay and Jamaica, Spain will be expected to dominate and send an early statement at the World Cup. They already have the Euros under their belt and will now be gunning for World Cup glory.
They’re a country full of great footballing history and many are backing them, led by the talent of Lamine Yamal, to create even more.
Group K – Portugal, Colombia, Qatar, Cape Verde
Group K, according to the supercomputer, will be centred around Cristiano Ronaldo and what is likely to be his final chance to win the World Cup. He’s watched as Messi has lifted it in dramatic style and will now be desperate to get his own glory to truly cement his Portugal legacy.
In a group with Luis Diaz’s Colombia and underdogs Qatar and Cape Verde, Ronaldo will be expected to shine.
Group L – Germany, South Korea, Panama, Wales
Whilst Germany likely ease to top spot, South Korea could grab second place in Group L. Up against Panama and playoff contenders Wales, they could have a routine run at second, assuming Germany take control.
The 2014 World Cup winners should be desperate to improve on their recent record and reclaim their throne, although they may have to stifle a Welsh side boosted by scoring seven times in their final qualifying game.