The World Cup 2026 is rapidly drawing closer and a supercomputer has assessed England and Scotland’s prospects of glory at the summer tournament. The opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled for June 11.

Thomas Tuchel’s England side were imperious in qualifying, winning all eight of their matches. The Three Lions are once again being touted among the frontrunners as the men’s team look to end the nation’s lengthy wait for a second World Cup triumph. England face some stern tests at the tournament after being drawn alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L. However, the Euro 2024 finalists have delivered strong performances at recent major tournaments and will be desperate to finally go all the way.

The Opta supercomputer highlights the considerable challenges England could encounter, giving them a 67.77 per cent chance of advancing from the group stage. Notably, the Three Lions are afforded a slightly higher probability of 69.22 per cent to progress to the round of 16.

In the latter knockout rounds, England are rated at 47.78 per cent to reach the quarter-final, the stage at which they were eliminated last time around, and 30.22 per cent to reach the semi-finals. The Three Lions are given an 18.79 per cent chance of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

The Opta supercomputer currently predicts England’s chances of lifting the famous trophy at 11.05 per cent. This places them as third favourites to win the tournament, behind Spain and France.

European champions Spain are given the highest likelihood of going all the way with a 15.98 per cent probability. They are closely followed by France at 12.24 per cent, who were crowned champions in 2018 and also reached the 2022 final.

World Cup holders Argentina are rated at 10.26 per cent to defend their title. Portugal (6.99 per cent), Brazil (6.6 per cent) and Germany (5.6 per cent) are considered slight outsiders to claim the trophy.

Meanwhile, Scotland are set to make their World Cup return for the first time since 1998. Steve Clarke’s side secured their place at the tournament after topping their qualification group, a feat accomplished via a remarkable victory over Denmark.

On their return to the world stage, Scotland have been drawn alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Group C poses considerable challenges, though the expanded format means the top two from each group and eight third-placed sides will progress to the next round.

Opta gives Scotland a slim 9.93 per cent chance of making it through the group stage, given the calibre of their opponents. However, their odds of reaching the round of 16 rise to a remarkable 24.25 per cent should Clarke’s men negotiate their demanding opening fixtures.

Opta gives Scotland an 8.8 per cent chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, with the odds of securing a semi-final place standing at just 2.7 per cent. For the truly optimistic, the likelihood of Scotland reaching the World Cup final is put at 0.82 per cent, with a mere 0.23 per cent chance of lifting the trophy itself.