Artificial intelligence systems demonstrated strong accuracy in forecasting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though predictions for the tournament winner remain divided as the semifinals begin.
The consultancy Hubler found that three commercial AI models correctly identified three of the four semifinalists, missing only Brazil, which was eliminated by Norway in the round of 16. A separate study of 12 Chinese-developed AI models recorded a 65.7% prediction accuracy rate across the first 100 matches, outperforming human forecasters who averaged 58.9%. France emerged as the favorite in a nine-model poll, receiving five champion votes to Argentina's four.
The semifinals open today with France facing Spain in Arlington, Texas, followed by England against Argentina on Tuesday in Atlanta. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.