Vox's Future Perfect staff, along with other experts, released their predictions for major global events in 2026, marking their seventh annual forecast. The predictions, published January 1, 2026, carry a generally pessimistic outlook, addressing issues ranging from the stability of U.S. electoral democracy to the potential for a global recession.

The forecasts also considered the likelihood of armed conflict over Taiwan, the expansion of bans on lab-cultivated meat within the United States, and the potential impact of a Category 5 hurricane making landfall in the U.S. The predictions included a diverse range of topics, even extending to the realm of popular culture with a query on whether Beyoncé would release a rock album.

Each prediction was assigned a probability to reflect the forecasters' confidence levels. This approach, according to Vox, aimed to promote "epistemic honesty" by transparently communicating the uncertainty inherent in predicting future events. The initiative reflects a broader trend in journalism and analysis toward quantifying uncertainty and providing readers with a clearer understanding of the potential range of outcomes.

The Future Perfect project at Vox has consistently sought to apply rigorous analysis to forecasting, moving beyond simple speculation. By assigning probabilities, the team aims to provide a more nuanced and informative perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the world in the coming year. The project's methodology is rooted in the belief that transparency about uncertainty is crucial for informed decision-making, both for individuals and policymakers.