New York, June 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted that Morocco will defeat France in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing the Atlas Lions to secure their first-ever world championship title.
Speaking in a series of tournament predictions published by The Guardian, the 35-year-old mayor forecast a third consecutive World Cup final appearance for France. However, he believes the French side will be denied glory by a resurgent Moroccan team that continues to build on its historic success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to Mamdani’s prediction, Morocco will surpass its remarkable achievement in Qatar, where it became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. He expects the Atlas Lions to complete an even more memorable campaign by reaching the final and lifting football’s most prestigious trophy.
“We’ll choose with our hearts, so I’ll choose Morocco in this big final,” Mamdani said while explaining his forecast for the tournament.
The prediction has generated significant discussion among football supporters, particularly because the 2026 World Cup final is scheduled to be held in the New York metropolitan area, giving the city’s mayor a unique connection to the event.
Morocco enters the tournament with growing confidence following a series of strong international performances in recent years. Under the leadership of head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions are aiming to build on their achievements in Qatar and establish themselves among the world’s leading national teams.
The North African side has been drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Morocco is set to begin its campaign against Brazil on June 13 before facing Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.
While Mamdani’s prediction remains speculative, Moroccan supporters would undoubtedly welcome a final showdown against France and the opportunity to make football history by claiming the nation’s first World Cup title.
The outcome will be decided on July 19, when the world’s attention turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and the crowning of a new global champion.
