Sports data platform Opta has published statistical projections for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering an early picture of how nations may fare at the tournament set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The expanded competition will feature 48 teams for the first time, with Ghana among the qualified nations marking their fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage.
According to Opta’s model, the Black Stars—ranked 73rd globally and the lowest among the 10 African qualifiers—face a steep challenge in progressing deep into the tournament. The data gives Ghana a 6.8 per cent chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Their prospects of going further diminish significantly, with a 0.7 per cent probability of reaching the final and just a 0.2 per cent chance of lifting the trophy.
At the other end of the projections, Spain emerge as favourites with a 16 per cent chance of winning the title.
France follow closely at 13 per cent, while defending champions Argentina are ranked third with an 11.2 per cent chance of retaining the crown.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. They will round off their group stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.
