When EA SPORTS uses its own soccer simulation to predict the new world champion, it’s not just gaming fans who are paying attention. That’s because the developer has been right four times in a row—Spain is set to be number five.
EA SPORTS’ track record is uncanny: four times in a row, the developer of the FIFA and FC series has correctly predicted the World Cup champion using its own game. As unrealistic as many fans may find the gameplay, the simulations have consistently been right over the past 16 years.
In 2022, EA SPORTS predicted Lionel Messi’s Argentina would win it all in Qatar; in 2018, it predicted France’s triumph in Russia. The developer had also previously announced Germany’s last World Cup title twelve years ago in Brazil. The streak began with Spain in 2010—is the circle closing?
Because in 2026, the simulation in FC 26 reaches the same conclusion: Spain will be world champions. A prediction that, due to EA SPORTS’ remarkable accuracy, is garnering attention far beyond the gaming fan community. La Furia Roja is set to secure not only the European Championship trophy but also the World Cup trophy.
Infallible? Not in other tournaments
However, if EA SPORTS had had its way, Spain wouldn’t have won the 2024 European Championship at all. The then-current installment, FC 24, had actually predicted England as the winner—after a final against Germany. As is well known, however, the Three Lions lost to the Spaniards in the final.
EA SPORTS doesn’t always hit the mark—not even with the women’s teams: For the 2023 World Cup, FIFA 23 had predicted the U.S. as the champion, but in reality, they were eliminated in the round of 16. You can’t rely on the predictions, even though the track record for men’s World Cups is excellent.
Portugal rumor turns out to be a hoax
EA SPORTS announced the new prediction on Saturday afternoon. Rumors had previously circulated that Portugal had come out on top in the FC 26 simulation. These leaks turned out to be false. If the developer is right once again, Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. will remain uncrowned.
The World Cup can also be replayed in FC 26—without an official FIFA license. Instead, EA SPORTS offers “The World’s Game”: a generic mode that closely resembles the real tournament. Most rosters are also authentically populated. However, Brazil in particular is still a work in progress.