Who will win the World Cup? BBC pundits make their predictions

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, BBC pundits and AI models are weighing in on potential winners. France, Spain, and England are frequently cited as top contenders for the trophy.
Why it matters
Predictive analysis for major global sporting events drives significant media engagement and fan interest.
By Chris Bevan BBC Sport journalist Published 1 hour ago The World Cup starts in Mexico City s Azteca Stadium on Thursday and finishes in the MetLife Stadium near New York City on 19 July.
The article presents a variety of expert opinions and data-driven predictions without favoring one outcome.
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