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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani predicts Morocco will defeat France to win the 2026 World Cup in what would be one of the biggest upsets in football history.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has an unusual prediction for the outcome of the 2026 World Cup.
According to an interview with The Guardian, he believes Morocco will be the next world champion.
He predicts that Morocco will defeat France and claim the title in what would be one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
A Historic Opportunity
If this prediction comes true, Morocco will enter the record books. No African nation has ever won the World Cup.
African teams have impressed on several occasions at the tournament, but the trophy has remained out of reach.
A World Cup victory for Morocco would therefore reshape the historical narrative surrounding the role of African national teams in the tournament, The Guardian reports.
A Well-Known Football Fan
Although Mamdani says he does not follow football every day, The Guardian describes him as a passionate fan of the sport.
The North London club Arsenal has long been one of the mayor’s favorite teams.
His support for Arsenal is not limited to words. On several occasions, the mayor has demonstrated his connection to the club at public events.
He has also been involved in events that highlight African football among the city’s many international football fans.
World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 and will be the largest FIFA World Cup ever staged.
The tournament will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which will share hosting duties for the first time. A total of 48 nations will participate, and 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities.
According to FIFA, the tournament will open in Mexico City, while the final will be played in New Jersey, part of the New York metropolitan area.
Sources: The Guardian, FIFA
