Calvin Bassey has tipped France to emerge as champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The Super Eagles defender made his prediction during a quick-fire question-and-answer session with Fulham’s media team, where players were asked to name the country they believe will lift football’s biggest prize this summer.
While some players remained loyal to their respective national teams, a majority of Bassey’s teammates selected France as their favourites for the tournament. Bassey also backed Les Bleus to claim a third World Cup title.
France head into the expanded 48-team competition among the leading contenders and have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
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Much of the confidence surrounding Didier Deschamps’ side stems from their formidable attacking options. Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe spearheads a star-studded frontline that also features current Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, as well as Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 before leading them to another final in 2022, will be aiming to end his tenure on a high. France defeated Croatia to win the title in Russia eight years ago, but fell short in Qatar four years later, losing to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in a dramatic final.
Deschamps has already announced that he will step down after the 2026 World Cup when his current contract expires, giving his players additional motivation to deliver a fitting farewell by reclaiming football’s most prestigious trophy.
The 2026 tournament will be historic for several reasons. It will be the first FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and the first edition to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format.
With one of the deepest squads in international football and a proven manager seeking a memorable send-off, France are widely regarded as one of the teams to beat, a sentiment shared by Bassey as anticipation builds towards the tournament.
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