According to Opta’s supercomputer, Argentina and France are the most likely teams to meet again in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Based on each nation’s probability of advancing through the knockout rounds, Argentina has a 34% chance of reaching the final, while France follows closely with 31%. However, in a potential championship match, Les Bleus are rated slightly higher, with a 21% chance of winning the World Cup the highest among all remaining teams.

England, under head coach Thomas Tuchel, is also considered one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. The Three Lions have a 42% chance of reaching the semifinals, trailing only Argentina (58%) and France (50%). However, their probability of advancing to the final stands at 27%.

England will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Round of 32. If they advance, they are expected to meet either Ecuador or Mexico before a quarterfinal clash against one of Brazil, Japan, Norway, or Ivory Coast. Should Tuchel’s side overcome those challenges, Argentina is projected to await them in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Argentina is considered to have the most favorable route through the knockout stage. The defending world champions will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32, followed by either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, Lionel Messi and his teammates are expected to take on one of Ghana, Colombia, Algeria, or Switzerland.

Argentina is unlikely to face a truly formidable opponent until the semifinals, where they are projected to meet either England or Brazil.

On the other side of the bracket, France is expected to navigate a much tougher path. Didier Deschamps’ squad will begin the knockout stage against Sweden in the Round of 32. If they progress, they are likely to face Germany or Paraguay before a quarterfinal showdown against South Africa, Canada, the Netherlands, or Morocco.

Although the supercomputer’s projections are only statistical predictions, they have already sparked excitement among football fans eager to see another blockbuster World Cup final between Argentina and France. The forecast also suggests a thrilling knockout stage filled with heavyweight clashes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sources: Znews