World Cup Bracket 2026: How to forecast the 23rd world champions

It has taken a long road to get here but we finally know the full line-up for this summer's Fifa World Cup in North America. The conclusion of the various play-off paths in Europe and beyond means the first 48-team edition is locked in and fans across the globe can start plotting their nation's route to the final.

Here's our guide to what lies ahead in June and July, including our handy World Cup Predictor covering all 104 matches.

World Cup Odds

The six play-off berths left open in December's World Cup finals draw have now been filled after 22 countries battled for the final half-dozen spots.

The Czech Republic have booked their place at the finals for the first time in 20 years. They showed a strong mentality to come from two goals down in their semi-final against the Republic of Ireland and progress to the decider on penalties, where they defeated Denmark after extra-time.

They have now completed the Group A line-up, which features co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Korea Republic.

Well, the unthinkable has happened. Again. Italy are going to miss their third successive World Cup finals following their defeat on penalties against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday. The Dragons are heading back to the world stage after a 12-year absence.

Interestingly, Italy's last match at the World Cup was the one in which Giorgio Chiellini was bitten by Uruguay's Luis Suarez - just let that sink in like the latter's teeth.

Bosnia will tussle with co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

Turkey have filled the final slot in Group D after a professional 1-0 victory against Kosovo. The Crescent-Stars now have matches against co-hosts USA, Paraguay and Australia to prepare for.

Despite a poor qualifying campaign, Sweden had already sealed their play-off spot because of their Uefa Nations League performance. The Blagult made the most of it as they defeated both Ukraine and Poland to fire their way into Group F. Graham Potter's side will face the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Iraq are into the World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years thanks to their inter-continental play-off triumph over Bolivia. They do, though, have a fairly thankless task ahead of them up against France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.

We will also see the return to the main stage of DR Congo, who last competed as Zaire in 1974. They defeated Jamaica thanks to a goal from Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe in extra-time. The Leopards now have a place in Group K to look forward to, and they will compete against Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Now that the stage is well and truly set, you can start using your footballing nous to predict every match at the World Cup to determine who will win the sport's greatest prize in New Jersey in July.

The World Cup Predictor allows you to forecast every team's progression through the tournament, even working its way through the minefield of various third-place permutations in the first finals to involve 12 groups and over 100 fixtures.

Play our free World Cup predictor below

The draw in full:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czech Republic

Group B: Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ecuador, Ivory Coast

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

Click here for Today's Football Fixtures