World Cup 2026 Predictions: how our model did

GoalIQ's model logged a prediction for every World Cup 2026 match before kickoff, publicly, with no edits afterwards. The tournament is over: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. This page is the permanent recap of how the model did.

Tournament completed 19 July 2026 · Knockout matches level after 90 minutes are graded as a draw; extra time and penalty shootouts do not count toward the result.

World Cup 2026 is over. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. Our model gave Spain the highest probability (35.8%), logged before kickoff. See every logged call and this week's predictions: Full track record · This week's predictions · FPL tools for 2026/27

The final, as the model saw it

Before kickoff on 19 July 2026 the model's read on Spain v Argentina was Spain 35.8% · draw 32.0% · Argentina 32.2%. Spain carried the highest probability of the three outcomes. The call was logged publicly before the match and was not edited afterwards. Spain won 1-0 after extra time (Ferran Torres, 106th minute).

The full tournament record

60.6%
correct 1X2 results across all 104 completed World Cup matches (63 of 104)
84%
accuracy in decisive matches (63 of 75 that did not end in a draw)

Knockout matches level after 90 minutes are graded as a draw; extra time and penalty shootouts do not count toward the result. Numbers update automatically from the same public log as the track record page.

The per-match record, hits and misses included, lives on the evergreen predictions page and keeps growing with domestic-league calls: see the full track record.

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How the model works

GoalIQ is powered by a Dixon-Coles statistical model combined with a machine-learning expected-goals (xG) ensemble, trained on thousands of real international and club matches. For any fixture it estimates the win / draw / win probability, the expected goals for each team, and the most likely exact scorelines. World Cup 2026 predictions were computed on a neutral-venue basis and refreshed as results came in during the tournament.

World Cup 2026 predictions: FAQ

Who won the World Cup 2026?
Spain won the World Cup 2026, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final on 19 July 2026 (Ferran Torres, 106th minute).
What did GoalIQ's model predict for the final?
The model gave Spain the highest probability: 35.8% against 32.0% for the draw and 32.2% for Argentina, logged publicly before kickoff.
How accurate was the model at the World Cup 2026?
Every prediction was logged before kickoff. Knockout matches level after 90 minutes are graded as a draw; extra time and penalty shootouts do not count toward the result. The full per-match record, hits and misses included, is public on the track record page.
How does GoalIQ predict football matches?
GoalIQ uses a Dixon-Coles statistical model combined with an expected-goals (xG) ensemble, trained on thousands of real international and club matches. It estimates win/draw/win probabilities, expected goals and the most likely scorelines. It is an informational analytics tool, not a betting service.
Is GoalIQ a betting app?
No. GoalIQ is an analytics and entertainment app that provides statistical model predictions for informational purposes only. It is not a betting or gambling service and does not provide betting tips or odds.
FPL tools for 2026/27 →
Important: GoalIQ provides statistical model predictions for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a betting or gambling service and does not provide betting tips or odds. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees.