Sunil Chhetri Predicts France as 2026 FIFA World Cup Champion

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears its quarter-finals, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has predicted that France will clinch the title. He highlights the team's exceptional depth and lack of weaknesses, making them a formidable contender. With exciting matches ahead, including France vs. Morocco and Spain vs. Belgium, the tournament promises thrilling action. Chhetri's insights shed light on why he believes France is the team to beat in this prestigious competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:48 IST

Chhetri's Prediction for the FIFA World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches its quarter-final stage, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has shared his thoughts on which team might emerge victorious. With only eight matches left, teams like Morocco, Norway, Belgium, and Switzerland are vying for their first title, while traditional powerhouses such as Argentina, France, Spain, and England aim to enhance their trophy collections.

Chhetri has expressed his belief that France will secure their third World Cup title. He emphasized the team's remarkable depth and lack of weaknesses, stating, "How can you bet against France? They possess speed, stamina, experience, and an incredible roster. If one star player is sidelined, another equally talented player steps in. Few teams globally can boast such luxury across all positions. Consider the starters, the substitutes, and even those who rarely play; they are all world-class. France has consistently excelled in major tournaments, making it hard to identify any flaws in their squad," he remarked during an interview with the official FIFA World Cup broadcaster in India.

France is set to compete against Morocco in the quarter-finals in Boston on Thursday, July 9, while Spain will take on Belgium on Friday, July 10, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Following that, a double-header on Saturday, July 11, will feature Norway against England at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, and the defending champions Argentina facing Switzerland in Kansas. The winner of the France-Morocco match will meet the victor of the Spain-Belgium game in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, while the second semi-final will see either England or Norway take on Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta.