CORNERFLICK
Opta’s latest World Cup 2026 model has backed Argentina and France to reach the final again, echoing the 2022 showpiece.
Argentina, the defending champions, are given just under a 30% chance of reaching the final, the highest figure in Opta’s projections. France sit second on 28.61%.
France are also ranked top in Opta’s outright winner prediction, with an 18.73% chance of lifting the trophy. Argentina’s path appears more straightforward on paper: Lionel Scaloni’s side face Cape Verde in the round of 16, then could meet the winner of Egypt v Australia in the last eight.
If they reach the semi-finals, Argentina would likely run into Brazil or England. On the other side of the draw, France would need to keep winning to set up a rematch of the 2022 final.
Lionel Messi leads the tournament scoring charts with six goals, adding another headline to Argentina’s campaign as the knockout stage begins.