While the national teams are preparing for the 2026 World Cup semifinals, artificial intelligence has already simulated the course of these decisive matches. The algorithm has identified the teams that, in its opinion, will face off in the tournament final.
The authoritative statistics portal OptaAnalyst has released the latest calculations from its supercomputer. Using complex mathematical models, detailed player statistics, and thousands of simulations, the artificial intelligence has calculated the exact odds for each of the semifinalists—France, Spain, England, and Argentina—to advance to the tournament’s final.
According to these calculations, fans can expect an all-European showdown in the final, while the reigning world champions will be forced to relinquish their title.
The first semifinal will pit two teams from the Old World against each other—France and Spain. Despite the Spaniards’ brilliant form, Opta’s mathematical model gives a clear advantage to Didier Deschamps’ team.
- France – 58% chance of reaching the final
- Spain – 42%
Analysts believe that Les Bleus’ vast experience and incredible depth on the roster will be decisive factors in the match against La Roja. Spain, which has displayed phenomenal soccer in the earlier rounds, is predicted to be in the running only for the consolation prize.
Second matchup: a duel on the edge of a foul
While the AI sees a clear favorite in the first matchup, the clash between England and Argentina promises to be a true soccer thriller, where the smallest details will decide the outcome.
The mathematical gap between the rivals in the Opta report is minimal, but it still favors the sport’s founders.
- England – 51%
- Argentina – 49%
The calculations predict that Lionel Messi and his teammates will fall just short of defending their title. However, the 2% difference leaves the South Americans with a tremendous chance to prove the cold statistics wrong right on the field.
Thus, according to Opta, the main “mathematical” matchup for the 2026 World Cup final is France versus England.
Source: OptaAnalyst
At the World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, both semifinal matchups have been determined. In the first semifinal, France will face Spain, while in the other match, England and Argentina will compete for a spot in the final.
The first semifinalist was determined yesterday at the World Cup. The French national team confidently defeated Morocco 2–0 and became the first team to secure a spot among the tournament’s top four.
Meanwhile, FIFA has decided to sell fans pieces of turf from the stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final. Prices will start at $450, and the most expensive collector’s sets will cost up to $3,000.
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