France has emerged as the favorite to win the World Cup, according to an Opta Supercomputer analysis that assesses the remaining teams in the tournament. The simulation places Didier Deschamps' squad at the top of the probability rankings, ahead of contenders like Spain and the defending champions, Argentina.
The quarter-finals are set to commence after a brief pause in the tournament. The supercomputer's projections indicate France has a 27.3% chance of lifting the trophy. Reasons cited for France's strong position include their potent attacking lineup, featuring Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament and holds a record of 11 World Cup knockout-stage goals.
Spain is projected to have the second-highest chance of winning at 21.3%. The European champions have maintained a formidable defense, being the only team yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Mikel Oyarzabal has been a standout performer with four goals and one assist.
Defending champions Argentina are third favorites with a 17.3% probability. Despite not always playing at their peak, Argentina has consistently found ways to win, with Lionel Messi contributing significantly with eight goals in five matches. However, Messi's penalty record, including two misses in a single game against Egypt, has been noted as a potential vulnerability.
England follows closely with a 16.5% chance of winning. The team boasts strong attacking talent in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. However, concerns remain about their defense, with some less convincing performances noted, such as a draw against Ghana and a narrow win against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Norway, spearheaded by striker Erling Haaland, has a 6.6% chance. Haaland's prolific scoring, accounting for 58% of Norway's goals, is a significant asset, though the team's reliance on him could be a weakness if opposing defenses can neutralize his threat.
Switzerland enters the quarter-finals with a 3.8% chance. They have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches and conceding only three goals. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has a save percentage of 84%, preventing 1.63 goals. However, their ability to create chances against stronger opposition has been questioned.
Morocco, the last African nation in contention, has a 3.7% probability. They are undefeated in the tournament and in their last 33 international games. Their individual quality, with players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, is recognized, but they face a formidable challenge against France.
Belgium has the lowest projected chance at 3.6%. While they have improved throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals in the knockout stages, they face a strong, unbeaten Spanish side. Belgium has not previously defeated Spain in three encounters.
The supercomputer's analysis considers various factors to predict the outcomes, providing a data-driven outlook on the remaining teams' prospects as the tournament progresses towards its conclusion on July 19.