Supercomputer predicts 70% chance for South Korea to reach World Cup Round of 32

A supercomputer simulation forecasts a strong chance for South Korea to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, estimating a 70.35% probability of reaching the Round of 32. The projection, released by football statistics specialist Opta, also suggests a 33.52% likelihood of the team making it to the Round of 16.

The expanded 48-team tournament will feature a group stage with 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. In Group A, Mexico is predicted to have the highest advancement probability at 87.61%, with South Korea following at 70.35%. The Czech Republic is given a 63.38% chance, and South Africa a 49.29% chance.

When it comes to reaching the Round of 16, Mexico again leads the group with a 51.59% probability, followed by South Korea at 33.52%. The Czech Republic has a 28.16% chance, and South Africa 18.92%. South Korea's own chances of winning their group are estimated at 22.69%, placing them behind Mexico in this metric.