An artificial intelligence (AI) prediction has appeared saying that neither Korea nor Japan will get past the round of 32 at the World Cup.
Soccer content outlet Score 90 on the 2nd (KST) said, "Based on the finalized groupings and tournament bracket, we asked ChatGPT to predict the results of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Here are the results!" and released a World Cup tournament prediction using AI.
On the 1st, all the countries that will compete on the stage of the 2026 North American World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, were decided. In the final playoffs, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, Sweden, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo survived to secure the last spots in the finals.
Now all groupings and the bracket have been finalized. A shock occurred in Group A, where Korea is placed. Denmark, long considered the favorite in European playoff Path D, was eliminated on penalties and the Czech Republic joined the finals. As a result, Korea will face the Czech Republic in its first group match, then meet Mexico and South Africa in order.
In this World Cup, finishing in the top three of a group gives the possibility of advancing to the round of 32. The teams finishing first and second in each of the 12 groups will all advance to the tournament, and the top eight third-place teams based on results will also qualify. That is why a single win is more valuable than ever.
The Korea national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, has set a target of reaching the quarterfinals away from home for the first time in history. They must first get through the group stage and then win twice in the tournament. Given that Group A is expected to be chaotic without a clear dominant team, advancing to the round of 32 with a high ranking could make that possible.
However, ChatGPT predicted that Korea would be eliminated in the round of 32. It foresaw a loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Group B. The two teams could meet in the round of 32 if they each finish second in their groups.
Bosnia, ranked 65th by FIFA, is a team with punch led by veteran striker Edin Džeko. They advanced by knocking Italy out in the European playoff. By FIFA ranking alone, Korea (25th) is higher and has many star players, but ChatGPT saw Korea falling to Bosnia. It is a disappointing outcome for Korea.
Neighboring Japan, which has been on a roll, was predicted to be unlucky and be eliminated in the round of 32. Japan was recognized as a dark horse after beating Scotland and England in the March international window. Coach Hajime Moriyasu said he gained confidence that his team can beat any opponent and again pledged to aim for the World Cup title.
But a group of death awaits Japan. Japan was placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. There is not a single easy team.
The problem is that even if Japan advances to the round of 32 as the group runner-up, it will likely meet Brazil or Morocco, who are expected to finish first in Group F. ChatGPT predicted that Brazil, known for its 'samba football,' will block Japan's progress to the round of 16. Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly at home last October, but analysts say it will be difficult to produce another upset on the World Cup stage.
ChatGPT predicted that Brazil, having beaten Japan, would go all the way to the title. In a semifinal matchup of Spain-France and Brazil-Argentina, it forecasted Spain and Brazil surviving to meet, with Brazil winning the final 3-1. If the prediction came true, Brazil would reclaim the trophy for the first time in 24 years since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Score 90 social media.
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