By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 10, 2026

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has predicted that France will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup picking Les Bleus as his champions after his initial favourites Germany got knocked out by Paraguay in the round of 32, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

His prediction gained further credibility after Les Bleus booked their place in the semi-finals by overcoming Morocco in Thursday’s quarter-final at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

The 26-year-old Udinese goalkeeper made the prediction during the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show at Paris Fashion Week, where he was interviewed by Dazed while seated alongside American rapper Cardi B.

Asked to name his favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, Okoye admitted he had initially backed Germany before their elimination and subsequently switched his support to France.

“I was rooting for Germany, but, unfortunately, we are out already, so I think I’ll go with France,” the Nigeria international said.

Okoye’s prediction has gained further significance as France continue their impressive run at the tournament.

Les Bleus progressed through the group stage with a perfect nine points after victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before defeating Sweden in the Round of 32, Paraguay in the Round of 16 and Morocco in the quarter-finals to secure a place in the last four.

Germany, meanwhile, endured another disappointing campaign. Despite opening the tournament with victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, they suffered a defeat to Ecuador in their final group match before crashing out on penalties to Paraguay in the Round of 32.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup after missing out during the African qualifiers.

France remain on course for a third FIFA World Cup title after previous triumphs in 1998 and 2018, having also finished runners-up to Argentina in the 2022 tournament.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 10, 2026

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