AI has predicted how the rest of the World Cup will play out – Here’s who wins

The supercomputer has spoken, one last time...

We started with a record breaking 48, but now only France, Spain, Argentina, and England remain in with a shot of calling themselves World Champions by the time Sunday comes around.

That's right. Somehow, despite failing to impress in knockout wins over DR Congo and Norway — although it's fair to say the victory over Mexico at the Azteca was far more convincing — the Three Lions are still in with a chance of glory this summer.

Even Thomas Tuchel was in disbelief after full-time on Saturday, telling reporters that his team would need to show much more in their upcoming semi-final now confirmed to be against Argentina.

Even with a spot in the semis now secure, the hardest work is still to come.

To get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1966, England must first overcome the world champions, Argentina, on Wednesday. Should the Three Lions come through that, either European champions Spain or Kylian Mbappé's France await in the final.

But can they actually do it?

Such a question is surely beyond the powers of the human brain, so we've taken to asking the next best thing: AI chatbot ChatGPT.

ChatGPT has crunched the numbers, looked at the underlying stats, and given us the best prediction possible.

Semi-final No. 1: France vs Spain

What ChatGPT said: "France 1–0 Spain. This has all the ingredients of a classic World Cup semi-final.

"Spain have arguably been the tournament's best footballing side, dominating possession and controlling games through their outstanding midfield. However, France are built perfectly for knockout football.

"They are comfortable without the ball, devastating on the counter-attack, and possess arguably the world's most decisive player in Kylian Mbappé.

"Spain should enjoy long spells of possession, but France's pace in transition and ability to capitalise on small mistakes could prove decisive.

"I expect a tight contest settled late in the second half."

Semi-final No. 2: England vs Argentina

What ChatGPT said: "England 2–1 Argentina (AET). England have steadily grown into the tournament and now look like a genuine title contender.

"Jude Bellingham has controlled matches from midfield, Harry Kane continues to score when it matters, and Thomas Tuchel has made England tactically disciplined without sacrificing attacking quality.

"Argentina remain dangerous thanks to their tournament experience and ability to perform under pressure, but they have relied on moments of brilliance rather than sustained dominance.

"I expect a tense, physical encounter that remains level after 90 minutes before England's greater energy and squad depth make the difference in extra time."

3rd Place Play-Off

What ChatGPT said: "Spain 3–1 Argentina. Although neither team would have reached the final they hoped for, both would still be motivated to end their tournament on a high.

"Spain's youthful squad, led by the creativity of Lamine Yamal and their technically gifted midfield, should have enough energy and quality to control the game.

"Argentina's experience and resilience would make them difficult opponents, but after the emotional disappointment of a semi-final defeat, they may struggle to match Spain's intensity.

"I expect Spain to dominate possession, create the better chances, and secure a deserved victory.

"Finishing third would cap an excellent tournament for Spain, while Argentina would leave with pride after another deep World Cup run but just short of another podium finish."

The World Cup final

What ChatGPT said: "France 2–0 England. The final would bring together two of the most talented squads in world football.

"England would enter full of confidence after finally overcoming Argentina, but France possess exceptional depth and proven winners across the pitch.

"Mbappé remains the tournament's biggest match-winner, while France's balance between defensive solidity and explosive attacking quality gives them a slight edge.

"England would create chances and compete throughout, but France's experience in major finals and clinical finishing would ultimately prove decisive."

So there we have it: England will come closer to World Cup glory than at any time since 1966, only to suffer an agonising defeat to France in the final.

For Les Bleus, it would be a second World Cup triumph in the last three tournaments, and the perfect fairytale ending for Didier Deschamps.