Bassey tips France to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has backed France to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overlooking reigning champions Argentina and European champions Spain as his favourites for the tournament.
The Fulham centre-back made the prediction during a question-and-answer session organised by the Premier League club, where players were asked to name the team they believe will lift football’s most prestigious trophy next summer.
Bassey joined several teammates in selecting France, who are widely considered one of the strongest contenders for the title.
France backed for third title
Les Bleus will head into the tournament with one of the most talented squads in international football and will be aiming to secure a third World Cup crown.
Didier Deschamps’ side have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the expanded competition, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
France boast an array of attacking talent, led by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The squad also includes Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, and Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.
The depth and quality available to Deschamps have made France one of the favourites to challenge for the trophy in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Deschamps eyes perfect farewell
The 2026 World Cup will mark the final tournament for Deschamps as France manager after he confirmed plans to step down when his contract expires.
The former midfielder guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and came close to retaining the title four years later before losing to Argentina in the final in Qatar.
His impending departure is expected to provide extra motivation for a French side eager to send their long-serving coach off with another major trophy.
While Argentina will be defending the title won in 2022 and Spain remain among the leading contenders, Bassey believes France possess the qualities needed to finish on top.
The Super Eagles defender will watch the tournament as a neutral after Nigeria failed to qualify for the competition. However, he expects France to emerge victorious when the World Cup concludes in July 2026.