2026 World Cup: EA Sports predicts Spain as champions and opens an ambitious perspective for Senegal
With just days to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, football fans are already diving into predictions about the tournament’s outcome. As with every World Cup edition, video game publisher EA Sports has run a complete simulation of the tournament to forecast the future winner. This year, the verdict is clear: Spain is set to lift the World Cup trophy.
This prediction is particularly interesting given EA Sports’ impressive track record in previous World Cups. Since 2010, the company has accurately predicted the last four world champions. Before the tournament in South Africa, the simulation named Spain as the future winner. Four years later, it was Germany that was tipped to triumph in Brazil. In 2018, EA Sports backed France, who indeed lifted the trophy in Russia. Finally, during the 2022 edition in Qatar, the simulation forecasted Argentina’s victory led by Lionel Messi.
With this successful prediction streak, the new scenario presented by EA Sports is being watched closely. According to this projection, Spain would have a remarkable run, finishing first in their group and advancing through the knockout stages. La Roja would confirm their favorite status and reach the semifinals on their way to the world title.
Beyond the question of the future champion, this simulation also offers a particularly exciting perspective for Senegal. EA Sports’ envisioned path places the Lions among the nations capable of reaching the final four. Such a performance would be a historic achievement for the Senegalese team, which has never reached the semifinals of a World Cup.
According to the game’s projections, Spain’s semifinal opponent would come from groups E, F, or I. This immediately grabs the attention of Senegalese supporters since Senegal is in group I. Pape Thiaw’s men will share their group with France, Iraq, and Norway, a highly competitive group where every match could be crucial.
If the Lions can get past this first hurdle, they could dream of a historic run. EA Sports’ simulation suggests that Senegal has a path that could lead them to the semifinals. A potential semifinal clash with Spain would represent one of the biggest moments in Senegalese football history.
Of course, a simulation is just a virtual exercise, and the pitch remains the ultimate judge. Nevertheless, this projection brings a dose of optimism to Senegalese supporters. Being seen as a potential semifinal contender reflects Senegal’s steady progress on the international stage and fuels hopes of seeing the Lions write a new chapter in their history during the 2026 World Cup.
