Sutton's World Cup 2026 Predictions: Final Group Games

After following up their draw with Spain by holding Uruguay, Cape Verde continue to surprise at this World Cup. However, some users were not caught off guard this time. While 99.65% of players in the BBC's predictor game backed them to lose against Spain, 'only' 83% thought they would be beaten by Uruguay as well.

Users have gotten some predictions right, and overall they are outperforming BBC Sport predictions expert Chris Sutton and AI. Chris correctly predicted 14 results in the second round of 24 group games, compared to 12 in the first set of fixtures. AI also improved, from 13 to 15 out of 24, but users made an even bigger leap, scoring 18 out of 24 compared to 13 previously.

How will everyone fare in the final set of matches, including Scotland versus Brazil and England against Panama? Chris is predicting the outcome of all 104 games at the World Cup and has also picked the order he thinks each of the 12 groups will finish in. AI's predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat, simply asked to 'predict the results of the second round of World Cup group games'. The BBC predictor game allows readers to pick a winner from every match or go for a draw.

Group A

Sutton's pre-tournament picks: South Korea (winners) and Mexico (runners-up). Czech Republic to finish third and South Africa fourth.

Czech Republic v Mexico

Mexico City / Thursday, 25 June / 02:00 BST. Mexico are through to the last 32 as group winners regardless of the result, so they will likely make many changes. That could give an opportunity to the Czech Republic, who need a win to have a chance of advancing. But Mexico are on home turf at Estadio Azteca, where Sutton watched them thump South Africa. As his 5 live commentary partner Alistair Bruce-Ball noted, they will want to do their country proud, and the altitude won't help the Czech Republic either.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1
AI's prediction: 1-2

South Africa v South Korea

Monterrey / Thursday, 25 June / 02:00 BST. South Africa can still get out of this group after their late equalizer from the spot against the Czech Republic, but they were poor when Sutton watched them against Mexico. South Korea are a much better footballing team, and Sutton expects them to create plenty of chances against South Africa, similar to Mexico.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2
AI's prediction: 1-2

Group B

Sutton's pre-tournament picks: Switzerland (winners) and Canada (runners-up). Bosnia-Herzegovina to finish third and Qatar fourth.

Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar

Seattle / Wednesday, 24 June / 20:00 BST. Both teams lost heavily last time out and need a win to have a chance of progressing. Sutton believes Bosnia-Herzegovina will get it, as they were competitive against Switzerland for most of that match.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0
AI's prediction: 2-0

Switzerland v Canada

Vancouver / Wednesday, 24 June / 20:00 BST. Canada earned a good win against Qatar, helped by Qatar's two red cards, but were lively in attack when it was 11 vs 11. Switzerland impressed Sutton against Bosnia, especially Johan Manzambi when he came on, and Sutton would not be surprised if he starts this one.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1
AI's prediction: 2-1

Group C

Sutton's pre-tournament picks: Brazil (winners) and Scotland (runners-up). Morocco to finish third and Haiti fourth.

Morocco v Haiti

Atlanta / Wednesday, 24 June / 23:00 BST. Haiti are going home, but Morocco have a chance of winning this World Cup. They are superbly organized, and the only question for Sutton is whether they have enough goals in their team.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0

Scotland v Brazil

Miami / Wednesday, 24 June / 23:00 BST. Sutton worries a bit for Scotland here.