World Cup 2026 Predictions: ATS Experts Pick the Winner
Updated July 30, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us. Here at ATS we can't wait for the tournament to start, and our experts have been debating their picks to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy on July 19. Each expert has crunched the data, looked at the busy schedule, weighed up the draw, and tried to find the teams with the right blend of talent, depth, form and tournament experience to go all the way.
As always, there is no complete agreement. Some of our experts are backing the usual favorites, while others see value in teams outside the very top tier. We have also asked each writer to name a dark horse and a Golden Boot pick, giving you a full view of where the ATS team stands before the biggest tournament in soccer begins.
Winner • Dark Horse • Golden Boot
Simon Cripps Sports Betting Analyst & Soccer Expert
Winner 🇵🇹Portugal
Dark Horse 🇯🇵Japan
Golden Boot H. Kane
It is finally Cristiano Ronaldo's time. 20 years after he made his World Cup debut, CR7 finally has the supporting cast to go all the way. Portugal boast the best midfield in the tournament in Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes, and have dominated Field Tilt in competitive fixtures since Roberto Martinez started implementing a 'box' midfield shape. They already defeated favorites Spain in the Nations League final, and have the quality and tournament know-how to earn a first World Cup win.
Japan are my dark horse for this tournament. The first Asian side to qualify, they make up for a lack of star power with tremendous organisation, and have beaten Brazil, Germany and England since the last World Cup. Watch out for Takefusa Kubo. Finally, Harry Kane is my Golden Boot pick. If England are to achieve anything this summer, Kane will be an integral part of it, and the Bayern man finally comes into a major tournament fully fit.
Gus Anderson ATS Expert
Winner 🏴England
Dark Horse 🇳🇴Norway
Golden Boot E. Haaland
England have the depth, balance and tournament experience to finally go all the way. Norway are my dark horse because any team with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard has enough elite attacking quality to cause problems for anyone. Haaland is also my Golden Boot pick — if Norway get out of the group and make even one knockout run, he has the finishing ability to pile up goals quickly.
Jay Sanin Head of Sports
Winner 🇫🇷France
Dark Horse 🇲🇽Mexico
Golden Boot K. Mbappe
Pairing France to win the World Cup and Mbappe to win the Golden Boot at +1600 is worth a shout for me. Mbappe has enjoyed playing the game for his country much more than his current club in recent years, and with an actual magician in Rayan Cherki to help him unlock opposing defenses, this French squad will be a headache for everyone they face. Expect Mexico, not the US, to be the CONCACAF host that causes the most damage in the bracket. Above all else, I'm just hoping ticket prices drop at some point.
Henrik Norman Senior Sports & Casino Editor
Winner 🇪🇸Spain
Dark Horse 🇨🇭Switzerland
Golden Boot C. Ronaldo
Spain are my pick to win it all. They have one of the best overall squads, a clear possession identity, and enough star power to decide tight knockout games. Switzerland are my dark horse because they are consistent, disciplined and always have a high floor in major tournaments. For Golden Boot, it pains me to say Ronaldo, but with Portugal likely to create plenty of chances in a group featuring Congo and Uzbekistan, I can see him turning those games into a personal goal tally race.
Jacob Davour ATS Expert
Winner 🇦🇷Argentina
Dark Horse 🇨🇴Colombia
Golden Boot J. Alvarez
Argentina is going back to back this summer. Pretty much the same team as last time, with some additions like Nico Paz to seal the deal. The hot climate is also going to fit the South American teams. Julian Alvarez is the obvious Golden Boot candidate for me, given the easy group Argentina are facing. And Colombia are my dark horse — with elite talent, tactical balance, and less pressure than the traditional favorites, they could be dangerous.
Peyton Powell ATS Expert
Winner 🇳🇱Netherlands
Dark Horse 🇧🇪Belgium
Golden Boot Vinícius Jr.
The Netherlands have one of the top defenses in the tournament, and this just feels like a team capable of making a serious title run. At the same time, I think Belgium could surprise some people now that expectations are a bit lower than during its previous golden generation. Vinícius Jr. is my Golden Boot pick because Brazil should be one of the highest-scoring teams in the tournament, and he's expected to play a much bigger role in the attack this time around.
Editor's note: These are staff predictions for fun and debate. Six different winners picked across six contributors, which tells you everything you need to know about how wide open this tournament is.
For a full breakdown of each group, as well as the latest news, videos and our daily diary, head over to our World Cup home page. Let the games begin!
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