2026 FIFA World Cup predictions from KTVU newsroom
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Ima
OAKLAND, Calif. - The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, and this year’s tournament is set to be the largest in history. 48 nations will compete in 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ahead of the historic kickoff, the KTVU newsroom is making their predictions on who will lift the golden trophy. Read about the teams the newsroom predicts will win, the unexpected contenders or "dark horse," and how the U.S. men's national team will place.
Our predictions
Mike Mibach — Anchor
Tournament Winner: France
Darkhorse: Ecuador
USMNT Outlook: Semi-finals
Claudine Wong — Anchor
Tournament Winner: Spain
Darkhorse: Japan
USMNT Outlook: Round of 16
Bailey O’Carroll — Sports Reporter
Tournament Winner: France
Darkhorse: Norway
USMNT Outlook: Round of 32
Joe Fonzi — Sports Anchor/Reporter
Tournament Winner: Netherlands
Darkhorse: Croatia
USMNT Outlook: Round of 32
James Torrez — Reporter
Tournament Winner: Spain
Darkhorse: Norway
USMNT Outlook: Quarterfinals
Greg Lee — Anchor/Political Reporter
Tournament Winner: Spain
Darkhorse: Korea
USMNT Outlook: Round of 16
Gasia Mikaelian — Meteorologist
Tournament Winner: USA
Darkhorse: Norway
USMNT Outlook: All the way!
PHOTO: @FIFAWorldCup