Highlights
- EA Sports has predicted the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner after a full EA FC 26 simulation covering 104 matches.
- The forecast extends EA’s claimed streak of correct World Cup predictions dating back to Spain (2010) and Argentina (2022).
- Spain enters the tournament as Euro 2024 champions, with Lamine Yamal expected to play a key role in the campaign.
EA Sports has predicted Spain will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite no longer holding the tournament's official license. The prediction aims to extend the company's streak of four consecutive accurate forecasts, following wins of Argentina (2022), France (2018), Germany (2014), and Spain (2010).
The publisher used EA FC 26's The World's Game mode to simulate all 104 fixtures across group stages and knockout rounds. Spain enters as Euro 2024 champions after defeating England 2-1. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, 18, is expected to significantly impact their tournament campaign.
Why World Cup Simulation Accuracy Matters
After FIFA ended its licensing agreement with EA in 2023, the company transitioned from standalone World Cup games to integrated modes in annual releases. Spain beat Peru 3-1 in their final warm-up on June 9, 2026. The team competes in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
EA Sports FC 26 has run hundreds of simulations of the 2026 tournament and projects Spain as the most frequent winner. The prediction carries weight; EA had already correctly picked the World Cup winners from 2010 to 2022.
In 2022, EA also correctly predicted Lionel Messi’s Golden Ball award. The company’s first World Cup simulation, for the 2006 tournament, projected the Czech Republic as champion, but the team failed to advance beyond the group stage, and Italy ultimately won the competition. That lone miss aside, EA’s track record adds unusual credibility to its current Spain prediction heading into the tournament.
Out of 48 teams, 32 qualify for the knockout stages beginning June 28, 2026, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing.
The tournament begins June 11, 2026, with Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City. The final plays July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
EA's Track Record Falls Short Elsewhere
EA has correctly predicted eight of its 15 Super Bowl simulations. One of its most notable successes came in Super Bowl 49, when it accurately forecast New England's 28-24 victory over Seattle. The NHL Stanley Cup prediction streak has reached zero correct over 14 consecutive years. Additionally, the Czech Republic loss has already been elaborated upon.
Whether the streak continues remains to be seen, but EA's World Cup simulations have consistently drawn attention after correctly identifying each champion since 2010.
