Predictor Performance: Users Outshine Experts
The World Cup 2026 has seen surprising results, with Cape Verde, for instance, securing draws against Spain and Uruguay. While a vast majority of participants in the BBC's new predictor game initially doubted Cape Verde against Spain, fewer were surprised by their draw against Uruguay. Interestingly, users of the predictor game are currently leading in accuracy compared to BBC Sport's expert Chris Sutton and an AI model.
In the second round of 24 group matches, Chris Sutton correctly predicted 14 results, an improvement from his 12 in the first round. The AI, powered by Microsoft Copilot Chat, also showed improvement, moving from 13 to 15 correct predictions. However, the public users demonstrated the most significant leap, achieving 18 correct predictions in the second round, up from 13 previously.
With all 104 World Cup games being predicted by Chris Sutton, and the AI also offering its insights, the final group stage matches present another opportunity to see who will emerge as the most accurate predictor.
Group A Predictions
- Czech Republic v Mexico: Mexico, already qualified as group winners, are expected to make changes. Despite this, Sutton predicts a 0-1 victory for Mexico, citing their home advantage and altitude. AI predicts 1-2.
- South Africa v South Korea: Sutton believes South Korea's superior footballing ability will lead to a 0-2 win against South Africa, who have struggled defensively. AI predicts 1-2.
Group B Predictions
- Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar: Both teams need a win. Sutton anticipates Bosnia-Herzegovina will secure a narrow 1-0 victory. AI predicts 2-0.
- Switzerland v Canada: Sutton is impressed by Switzerland's previous performance and predicts a 2-1 win over Canada, who secured a good win against Qatar. AI also predicts 2-1.
Group C Predictions
- Morocco v Haiti: Sutton forecasts a 2-0 win for Morocco, highlighting their strong organization. AI agrees with a 2-0 prediction.
- Scotland v Brazil: Sutton expresses concern for Scotland, predicting a 0-2 loss to Brazil, potentially leaving Scotland to qualify as a best third-placed team. AI predicts 1-3.
Group D Predictions
- Paraguay v Australia: Paraguay needs a win to advance. Sutton, after initial consideration of a draw, now predicts a late 2-1 victory for Paraguay. AI also predicts 2-1.
- Turkey v USA: With USA guaranteed to top the group and Turkey eliminated, Sutton anticipates a 1-1 draw as USA may rest key players. AI predicts 2-1.
Group E Predictions
- Curacao v Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast requires a win to progress. Sutton expects them to overpower Curacao with a 0-1 victory. AI predicts 0-2.
- Ecuador v Germany: Germany is through as group winners. Sutton predicts a 1-1 draw, suggesting Ecuador might finally score against a potentially rotated German side. AI predicts 1-3.
Group F Predictions
- Japan v Sweden: Sutton backs Japan for a 2-1 win, praising their technical ability and defensive discipline. AI also predicts 2-1.
- Tunisia v Netherlands: Sutton foresees a dominant 0-4 victory for the Netherlands against a struggling Tunisia. AI predicts 0-2.
Group G Predictions
- Egypt v Iran: Sutton predicts a 2-1 win for Egypt, expecting Mohamed Salah's team to top the group. AI predicts 1-0.
- New Zealand v Belgium: Despite Belgium's disappointing run, Sutton anticipates a 1-3 victory for them as New Zealand's campaign concludes. AI predicts 0-3.
Group H Predictions
- Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia: Sutton predicts a 0-2 win for Saudi Arabia, believing Cape Verde's knockout stage hopes will end. AI predicts 1-2.
- Uruguay v Spain: Sutton expects Spain to secure a decisive 1-4 win, ensuring they top the group. AI predicts 1-2.
Group I Predictions
- Norway v France: Sutton backs France for a 0-2 victory, highlighting their firepower and Kylian Mbappe's potential to outshine Erling Haaland. AI predicts 1-2.
- Senegal v Iraq: Sutton predicts a 3-0 win for Senegal, emphasizing their need for a strong goal difference to potentially qualify as a best third-placed team. AI predicts 2-0.
Group J Predictions
- Algeria v Austria: Sutton fancies Austria to win 0-2, attributing it to their work rate under Ralf Rangnick. AI predicts 1-2.
- Jordan v Argentina: With Argentina already qualified, Sutton predicts a 0-3 win, even if Lionel Messi is rested. AI also predicts 0-3.
Group K Predictions
- Colombia v Portugal: Sutton predicts a 2-2 draw, an upset that would prevent Portugal from topping the group, despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring both goals for Portugal. AI predicts 1-2.
- DR Congo v Uzbekistan: Sutton anticipates DR Congo will secure the points in this match.
Source: Belgium going out? Sutton's World Cup 2026 score predictions - final group games