Chris Sutton has shared his score predictions for the final round of World Cup 2026 group stage matches, covering all twelve groups.
Cape Verde have been one of the stories of the tournament, drawing with both Spain and Uruguay to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
Sutton and AI both improved their prediction records in the second batch of group games, but BBC users outperformed both with an impressive 18 correct results from 24.
Sutton correctly predicted 14 results in the second round of fixtures, up from 12 in the opening set of group games.
AI also improved, rising from 13 to 15 correct predictions, while users made the biggest jump of all three from 13 to 18.
One of the most anticipated final group matches sees Scotland take on Brazil, with Sutton predicting a 2-0 win for the South Americans and an anxious wait for Scotland to see if they progress in third place.
England face Panama in New York, and Sutton expects Thomas Tuchel’s side to win comfortably, predicting a 3-0 victory with Harry Kane returning to form after missing a late chance against Ghana.
Sutton suggested Bukayo Saka should start for England, with Nico O’Reilly preferred at left-back over Djed Spence, describing O’Reilly as a better all-round footballer.
Belgium, who Sutton tipped as Group G winners before the tournament, have been a major disappointment and face New Zealand needing a strong result to stay alive, with Sutton backing them to win 3-1.
Egypt’s run could see Mohamed Salah’s side top Group G, with Sutton predicting a 2-1 win over Iran to seal first place for the Africans.
In Group I, Sutton is backing Kylian Mbappe to outscore Erling Haaland as France defeat Norway 2-0 in a match that decides who wins the group.
Spain are expected to dismantle Uruguay 4-1 in Guadalajara, with Sutton saying the Spanish won’t rest anyone as they chase the group victory.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is predicted to score twice against Colombia, but Sutton is going for a 2-2 draw, handing Colombia the group win in a slight upset.
Argentina are expected to rotate their squad for the match against Jordan, with Sutton suggesting Lionel Messi could be rested to preserve him for the knockout rounds despite the consequences for his Golden Boot hopes.
Netherlands are tipped to run riot against Tunisia with a 4-0 victory, while Japan are predicted to edge Sweden 2-1 in what Sutton’s commentary partner Alistair Bruce-Ball believes could be a deep run for the Japanese side.
