World Cup 2026: A Surprising Forecast

In the scenario imagined by the 35-year-old mayor, France will reach the World Cup final for the third consecutive time, following their appearances in 2018 and 2022. However, unlike the previous two tournaments, this time "Les Bleus" will suffer defeat against Morocco – a team expected to continue writing a fairy tale for African football.

The prediction from the New York City mayor has drawn even more interest because the 2026 World Cup final will be held in the New York–New Jersey area, the largest economic and cultural hub in the United States. If this scenario becomes reality, Morocco would become the first African country in history to win the World Cup.

The confidence in the "Atlas Lions" is not without foundation. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco created one of the biggest surprises in tournament history by becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals. That historic journey earned Moroccan football admiration worldwide and established a new status for North African football on the international map.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in North Africa, as they enter the 2026 World Cup, coach Mohamed Ouahbi's team carries high expectations following recent achievements. With a squad featuring many players competing in top European leagues and a growing youth development system, the "Atlas Lions" are regarded as one of Africa's strongest representatives.

In the group stage, Morocco is placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The North African side will open their World Cup campaign with a match against Brazil on June 13, followed by encounters with Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.

Although the New York mayor's prediction is only his personal view, many Moroccan fans will certainly be pleased with the vision of their national team overcoming France in the final match to reach the pinnacle of world football for the first time. The final answer will come on July 19, when global fans witness which team becomes the 2026 World Cup champion.