World Cup Power Rankings: What is the tournament's group of death?

48 teams, 12 groups, 104 matches - you know the numbers by now - as we get set for the biggest-ever World Cup finals. 

The DAZN experts have been getting ready for the tournament by predicting what could happen over the next six weeks, and we've already looked at the power rankings for dark horses and who's winning which group. 

But like tournament songs and wall charts, every finals has a 'group of death' too. The one where you can't quite call who will finish above who. 

So, taking into account our power ranking predictions, what is looking like 2026's deadliest pool? 

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Featuring Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon, France

What is the most likely 'group of death' at the 2026 World Cup? 

As part of the Power Rankings, each of the 40 DAZN experts ranked every nation in a series of categories to give a definitive all-round score. 

Taking those scores into account, they then formed how DAZN believe each group will pan out in the opening stage of the tournament. 

Therefore, based on those rankings, the tightest group to predict is Group F, which could be the one to watch this month. 

Looking at the final scores, the top three in the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden have just 0.8 of a point between them on their rankings. 

Meaning that the view from our panel is that this will be the hardest group to predict a winner and runner-up from. 

The Netherlands are just shading it in top spot, and will be looked at as favourites, given the quality they have in their squad - even if they are missing the injured Xavi Simons. 

But they could be run close by ever-improving Japan, who showed in March, as they defeated England at Wembley, what a useful outfit they are. 

While Sweden may have snuck through the back door, they look to be hitting form at the right time. And, with a front two of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, they offer a massive goal threat. 

Are there any other close groups? 

Looking across the field, another group that could contain some working out is Group I. 

France are one of the favourites for the whole competition, so go into this group expecting to top it, but they may not have it all their own way. 

There is just 0.4 of a ranking point between Senegal and Norway, which suggests they could challenge the French for top spot, but also that it will be a right battle for second place, too. 

Luckily, the eight-best placed third positions also progress, so every point will matter in these big clashes. 

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