Supercomputer Predicts 2026 World Cup Winner After Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Exit
- Opta's supercomputer updated its 2026 World Cup predictions after Spain eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal
- France leads the supercomputer's projections as the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy with a 28.39% probability
- Morocco has a 4.56% chance to become the first African nation ever to win the FIFA World Cup
Opta's supercomputer has updated its 2026 FIFA World Cup title predictions as the quarter-final picture becomes clearer, with France emerging as the leading favourites.
The latest projections came after Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to fire Spain past Portugal and into the last eight.
The defeat also dashed Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of finally lifting the World Cup trophy in his illustrious career.
Source: Getty Images
Supercomputer backs France to win World Cup
According to Opta, France tops the supercomputer's updated standings with a 28.39% probability of lifting the trophy, placing them well clear of the rest of the field.
Spain follows in second place at 21.75%, boosted by their progress to the last eight, where they will face Belgium.
England sits third at 18.18% ahead of their quarter-final against Norway, who knocked Brazil out of the tournament.
Defending champions Argentina carry an 11.69% chance of retaining the title, while Norway are rated at 6.79% as a dark horse contender.
Morocco, who dismantled Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 to set up a quarter-final against France, has a 4.56% probability of becoming the first African nation in history to win the World Cup.
Watch how Morocco dispatched Canada, as shared on YouTube:
World Cup: Quarter-final fixtures take shape
The final two quarter-final places are yet to be decided, with Argentina set to face Egypt and Switzerland taking on Colombia.
The winner of Argentina vs Egypt will meet either Switzerland or Colombia, the side that knocked Ghana out in the Round of 32.
Watch highlights of Colombia's victory over Ghana, as shared on YouTube:
Opta's supercomputer indicates that Colombia has a 3.38% chance of winning the World Cup, followed by Belgium (2.79%), Switzerland (2.15%) and Egypt (0.33%).
Brazil's exit has blown the tournament wide open, removing the most successful nation in World Cup history from the title race, as noted by BBC Sport.
But Spain, who are yet to concede a goal at the tournament, and Thomas Tuchel's England side head into the quarter-finals full of confidence.
Source: Getty Images
Both teams believe they have what it takes to go all the way, alongside France, who remain the only side to have won every match so far.
Ronaldo tears up after Portugal's World Cup elimination
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament.
A video showing the emotional Portugal captain quickly went viral on social media after the defeat to Spain.
Source: YEN.com.gh
