World Cup 2026: AI forecasts, ticket price slump, halftime show line‑up and semifinal timetable

Five leading artificial‑intelligence models were asked to project the finalists of the 2026 World Cup. All five named Argentina as a finalist; four expected France as their opponent, while one model highlighted Spain as a possible challenger. Official Mexican records show 79 disappearances in Mexico City and 866 nationwide between 11 June and 1 July 2026, amid the tournament, underscoring ongoing human‑rights concerns. The secondary‑market price of World Cup tickets fell sharply after team eliminations. Resale values dropped 41 % for the Argentina‑Switzerland quarter‑final after Colombia’s exit, 62 % for the Spain‑Belgium match after Portugal and the United States were knocked out, and similar declines were seen for Brazil‑Japan and other fixtures. Cuban astrologer Mhoni Vidente predicted Argentina would reach the semifinals but lose to a European side, ruling out a back‑to‑back title. Shakira confirmed she will headline the historic FIFA halftime show at the final in New Jersey, joined by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and others, with Chris Martin directing the 11‑minute performance to raise funds for FIFA’s Global Education Foundation. Jude Bellingham’s double secured England’s place in the semifinals after a 2‑1 win over Norway at Hard Rock Stadium. A RepTrak study noted that sponsor success at the tournament depends more on reputation‑building actions than pure stadium visibility, as naming‑right venues are temporarily rebranded. An algorithm from Northeastern University ranked the tournament’s most “exciting” matches; Mexico‑England did not make the top ten despite a dramatic finish. FIFA’s security chief praised Mexico’s organisational performance, stating the country proved ready to host despite earlier doubts. The schedule confirms no matches on 12‑13 July; semifinals will be France vs Spain on 14 July and the winner of Argentina‑Switzerland versus the winner of Norway‑England on 15 July.