The newly elected New York City mayor has made a bold prediction for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, backing Morocco to lift the trophy and avenge its heartbreaking semifinal defeat to France in Qatar 2022.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now just days away, predictions are coming from every corner of the football world. Fans, journalists, former players and pundits have all begun making their picks for the tournament. One of the most surprising forecasts, however, has come from an unexpected source: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The newly elected mayor of America’s largest city believes Morocco will be crowned world champions next summer.
New York is set to play a significant role during the tournament, hosting several high-profile group-stage matches, including a blockbuster clash between Brazil and Morocco on June 13. France vs Senegal, Norway vs Senegal, Ecuador vs Germany and Panama vs England will also be played in the metropolitan area, making the city one of the focal points of the competition.
Speaking during a World Cup bracket simulation reported by The Guardian, Mamdani predicted that Morocco would reach the final and defeat France to win the country’s first-ever World Cup title.
His prediction would provide the Atlas Lions with a storybook ending, allowing them to take revenge on the very team that ended their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Morocco became the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semifinal before eventually falling 2-0 to Didier Deschamps’ France.
A well-known football supporter and lifelong Arsenal fan, Mamdani has often spoken publicly about the sport and even referenced Mario Balotelli during remarks connected to the upcoming World Cup. When asked to complete a tournament bracket, he followed both his heart and his belief in the quality of the Moroccan national team.
The prediction may sound bold, but Morocco arrives at the tournament carrying significant expectations.
The Atlas Lions remain one of the strongest squads in African football and feature several internationally recognized stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Abde Ezzalzouli, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Nayef Aguerd and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
There is, however, one major change compared to the squad that captivated the football world in Qatar. Head coach Walid Regragui is no longer in charge, with Mohamed Ouahbi now leading the national team into the World Cup.
Morocco’s path will not be easy. Drawn into Group C, they face a challenging set of opponents that includes Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Their opening match against Brazil in New York is already being viewed as one of the standout fixtures of the entire group stage.
Despite the difficult draw, confidence around the Moroccan national team remains high. The country’s continued investment in football infrastructure, youth development and elite-level talent has transformed Morocco into one of the most respected programs outside Europe and South America.
Whether Mamdani’s prediction proves prophetic remains to be seen. What is certain is that if Morocco does manage to lift the trophy in 2026, the New York mayor will be able to say he saw it coming before almost anyone else.
For now, Didier Deschamps and the rest of the traditional favorites have been put on notice: New York’s mayor is backing the Atlas Lions to conquer the world.
