The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most open tournaments in recent memory, a competition where tradition often gives way to surprise. The very essence of the event lies in its capacity for the underdog to rewrite the script, turning expectations on their head and delivering moments that linger long after the final whistle.
A History of Shocking Upsets
Historical evidence shows that the tournament’s charm lies in its capacity for the underdog to rewrite the script, as witnessed when Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina in 2022 and Senegal edged past France in 2002. Those victories are not isolated incidents but part of a broader narrative that every match carries the potential for a seismic shift in the standings.
The Prediction Showdown
The Athletic is launching a daily prediction series that will run from June 11 through July 19, covering every matchday of the tournament. The contest brings together seasoned writers Andy Jones, who follows Liverpool, and Elias Burke, a Tottenham Hotspur specialist, alongside a rotating guest subscriber, a nine‑year‑old named Wilf, his pet dog Stanley, and an algorithm called Algo. Each participant will submit forecasts for each game, creating a dynamic leaderboard that tracks both accuracy rates and streaks of consecutive correct picks.
Expert Insight From Every Corner
Forty‑eight national teams will each contribute a specialist who can speak to the form and talent of their side, offering context that goes beyond statistics and into the nuances of preparation, injury concerns and tactical trends. These insights will be woven into the prediction process, enriching the analysis with a deeper understanding of each squad’s strengths and vulnerabilities.
The Stakes and the Community
Beyond the leaderboard, the series invites readers to join an interactive Soccer Pick’ems feature, allowing fans to craft their own forecasts and compare them against the experts, the subscriber crowd, Wilf, Stanley and Algo. This blend of professional insight and crowd participation underscores the tournament’s democratic spirit, where every voice has the potential to influence the narrative.
The series underscores a simple truth: even the most confident forecasts can be upended by a single moment of brilliance or a tactical twist, keeping the tournament as unpredictable as ever. As the competition unfolds, the interplay of history, expertise and playful competition promises to make the 2026 World Cup a landmark event in sporting unpredictability.