Round of 32
England
Through
DR Congo's gatecrash was a joy, but England's strength in depth was a level beyond. The Three Lions eased through.
Will England win the World Cup 2026?
A fine run that ended one game short of the final, and no, it was never rigged. England topped a completed Group L, grafted past DR Congo, saw off hosts Mexico and outlasted Norway to reach the semis exactly as our 63% call had it. There they ran the holders Argentina close but came up just short, and 21D AI had it as a coin-flip that fell the wrong way. Reece James and Quansah being out was a nuisance the depth mostly soaked up, but the last four is where this one stops. Proud campaign, honest forecast, and the wait for a final drags on.
87
Strength score now 85
#4
FIFA rank
WWDWW
Recent form
Group L
Group
Key injuries: Reece James, Quansah out.
Predicted knockout path
England
Through
Round of 16
England
Through
The hosts brought the noise after seeing off Ecuador, but England's strength in depth was a cut above. The Three Lions marched on, exactly as called.
Quarter-final
England
Through
Called it. Norway's giant-killing run finally hit a wall, and England's depth and nous told once it went to extra time. The Three Lions are into the semis.
Semi-final
Argentina
Through
We just fancied England in a coin-flip, but the holders had the nous when it mattered and edged a semi-final classic. Argentina march on, we cop the miss, and 1966 stays where it is.
21D AI predicted England
Just a bit of fun, not betting advice. Predictions generated by AI from public data. 18+.
Fixtures and results from openfootball. Rankings, form and injuries from API-Football.