World Cup 2026 bold predictions: What surprises are in store?

You will see plenty of predictions around this time, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off imminently.

From breakout players, tournament stars and World Cup winners, there will be no shortage of prognostications.

But many of those will predictions will focus on the familiar, the expected. Harry Kane to win the Golden Boot? You don’t say!

Instead, let’s talk about some predictions that may not be expected. The bold, the unexpected and yes, the hot takes.

Here are our staff’s boldest predictions.

Les Blues come up well short of a third straight consecutive final, losing in the round of 16 against another heavyweight — which could be Germany or Brazil. Kylian Mbappe will pass Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer, but it could be a frustrating tournament for the 27-year-old with France not lacking in other attacking options. – Jesse Yomtov

Brazil will always have the flair players. And they have that with Endrick, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and the up-and-coming Rayan. But I’m worried about the midfield. Bruno Guimaraes is class, but Fabinho and Casemiro are passed their sell-by date. Over 18 matches of CONMEBOL qualifying, Brazil finished fifth. This isn’t your dad’s Brazil. Meanwhile, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Uruguay all have better midfields and I’m counting on that position to be the difference. – Matt Glenesk

Group I, for me, is the group of death, and while Norway will advance as a third-place team, it’ll produce a difficult first knockout match that is too tough for Haaland, Odegaard and Co. to overcome. – Jon Arnold

The “home country boost” will only go so far for the three host nations. For Canada, it means making it to the knockout rounds (this will be uncharted territory for Canada, which has never reached the knockout rounds at a World Cup). For Mexico, it means a knockout win before getting eliminated by England, which I have in the final. Same goes for the U.S., which gets a round of 32 win before bowing out against defending World Cup champion Argentina in the Round of 16 (this unfortunate break in the bracket is a result of Turkey, not the U.S., winning Group D). – Jim Reineking

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Only eight countries have won the biggest prize in soccer. But this tournament is without a dominant side, opening the door for Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia or others to break through. – Erick Smith

Argentina is looking to run it back for its title defense, naming a roster filled with many of the same players from its 2022 triumph. But the team relies on players over 30 like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, all of whom no longer play in Europe. There is also the fear of coming into this tournament cold, with Argentina stacking up wins against weak friendly opposition over recent months. Playing Mauritania, Angola, Zambia and Puerto Rico is hardly the way to prepare for a title defense. – Seth Vertelney

Uruguay will be tested early with Spain also in Group H, but they are seeking redemption after not making it out of the group stage in 2022 and will play like it. Federico Valverde will step up as a leader with the guidance of manager Marcelo Bielsa, who is no stranger to the World Cup stage. La Celeste could make major statements against powerhouses Argentina and Portugal en route to a semifinals appearance. – Victoria Hernandez

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup 2026 bold predictions: Our staff’s upset picks and more