New York Mayor tips Morocco to defeat France in 2026 World Cup final

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has predicted Morocco will make history by defeating France in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He believes the Atlas Lions will claim their first-ever world title at this year’s mundil.

The prediction was made as part of a feature published by British newspaper The Guardian, where the 35-year-old mayor shared his expectations for football’s biggest tournament.

Morocco Backed for Historic Triumph

Mamdani believes France will reach a third consecutive World Cup final, continuing their impressive record on the global stage. However, he expects Morocco to emerge victorious and complete a remarkable journey to football’s ultimate prize.

If his prediction proves correct, Morocco would surpass its historic achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals.

Explaining his choice, Mamdani said, “We’ll choose with our hearts, so I’ll choose Morocco in this big final.”

Prediction Sparks Interest Ahead of Tournament

The mayor’s comments have generated discussion among football supporters, particularly because the 2026 World Cup final will be staged in the New York metropolitan area, a region he represents.

His backing of Morocco comes at a time when expectations surrounding the national team continue to grow following a series of impressive performances on the international stage.

Atlas Lions Target Another Deep Run

Morocco heads into the tournament determined to build on the momentum created in recent years under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The Atlas Lions have established themselves as one of the most respected national teams in world football and are widely viewed as a potential dark horse for the competition.

The North Africans have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Their campaign begins against Brazil on June 13 before further group matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.

Eyes on the Ultimate Prize

While Mamdani’s prediction remains a bold one, it reflects the growing belief that Morocco can once again challenge the traditional powers of world football.

For Moroccan fans, a World Cup final appearance would represent another historic milestone. Lifting the trophy against France would make the achievement even more memorable.

The answer will come on July 19 when the world discovers which nation will be crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.