Sutton’s World Cup 2026 predictions: Who advances?

The 2026 World Cup group stage is hurtling towards its climax, and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton has stepped up to the mic with his score predictions for the final round of fixtures. As the first men’s World Cup to feature 48 teams, the expanded format means more drama than ever, with only the top two from each group advancing plus the best third-placed sides. Sutton’s crystal ball will be scrutinised by fans desperate to know which giants are heading home early and which dark horses are primed for a knockout run.

For the usual suspects like Italy, Germany, Brazil, and France, the final group games are about fine-tuning lineups and avoiding banana skins. But with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the pressure is doubled for the North American sides. The US men’s national team, having qualified automatically as hosts, will face a massive test under the brightest lights. Sutton’s predictions might suggest comfortable wins – but we all know World Cup group-stage football has a habit of throwing up shock results.

Sutton, a former Premier League striker turned pundit, has built a reputation for bold forecasts. He’ll be considering factors like goal difference, head-to-head records, and the nerve-wracking final matchday scenarios. Will we see a classic ‘Group of Death’ collapse, or a plucky underdog snatching a draw to knock out a powerhouse? The beauty of the final group matches is that every kick can change the entire knockout bracket.

Of course, predictions are just that – educated guesses. The real narrative will unfold on the pitch, where fatigue, injuries, and tactical tweaks come into play. What matters is that Sutton’s ratings give fans a talking point: is his call too conservative, or does he have his finger on the pulse? As the 2026 World Cup expands the field, the margin for error shrinks. One bad half could send a star-studded side packing.

Regardless of Sutton’s exact scores, the underlying theme is clear: the final group games will separate the contenders from the pretenders. Whether you’re sweating over your fantasy football lineup or just craving late drama, this prediction set is the perfect curtain-raiser for the knockout rounds. Strap in – it’s going to be a wild ride.