2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions: USMNT Advance, Messi vs. Ronaldo, France Crowned Champions

CBS Sports breaks down the full tournament schedule and picks the winners of every match at the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, with all 48 teams now qualified for the expanded 104-match tournament taking place across the United States. CBS Sports has analyzed the full schedule and made predictions for each game, forecasting the USMNT to advance out of the group stage, a highly anticipated matchup between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and France emerging victorious as the new world champions.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32, making the tournament more globally representative but also more unpredictable. With the event being held entirely in the United States, there is heightened interest and anticipation around the USMNT's chances, while the potential Messi-Ronaldo clash is a dream matchup for soccer fans worldwide.

The details

CBS Sports' predictions have the USMNT advancing out of a challenging group that includes England, Italy, and Ghana. In the knockout rounds, the U.S. is projected to face off against Brazil in the Round of 16 before a potential quarterfinal showdown with Germany. On the other side of the bracket, a highly anticipated Messi vs. Ronaldo clash is set for the semifinals, with France ultimately defeating the winner to claim the World Cup trophy.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 12 to July 12.
  • Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the tournament on March 31, 2026.

The players

USMNT

The United States men's national soccer team, which is predicted to advance out of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentinian forward who is expected to face off against Cristiano Ronaldo in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The iconic Portuguese forward who will likely play in his final World Cup, setting up a dream clash with Lionel Messi in the semifinals.

France

The defending champions who are predicted to win the 2026 World Cup, defeating the winner of the Messi-Ronaldo semifinal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting World Cups in recent memory, with the expanded field and the potential for a Messi-Ronaldo showdown.”

— Alexi Lalas, Former USMNT player and FOX Sports analyst

“France have the depth and experience to overcome any challenge and defend their title, but the USMNT could be this tournament's surprise package.”

— Carli Lloyd, Former USWNT player and NBC Sports analyst

What’s next

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place on April 1, 2026, determining the specific group stage matchups for all 48 teams.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, with the expanded field, the potential Messi-Ronaldo showdown, and the USMNT's chances of advancing all contributing to heightened anticipation and excitement around the tournament.