Micah Richards has made a notable change of heart regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, switching his predicted winner from Spain to France after Les Bleus’ commanding group stage performance.
The former Manchester City and England defender, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, was candid about his revised stance. “I said Spain would win the World Cup, but I’m telling you now, France,” Richards said.
His decision came after France closed out their Group I campaign with a 4-1 win over Norway, finishing top of the group with maximum points. Didier Deschamps’ squad — who claimed the 2018 World Cup title and reached the 2022 final — will next face Sweden in the Round of 32 on June 30 in New York.
Richards acknowledged the quality of several other contenders before settling on France as his standout pick. “I’ve seen teams play well; I’ve seen teams be organised in the low-block. Argentina are playing for Messi, Morocco look strong, and England looked really good against Croatia in that second half,” he said. “But a team that can turn it on, I’ve not seen a team like France. So I think they are now my favourites.”
He also pointed to France’s combination of attacking firepower and defensive reliability as a key factor, noting that “France’s blend of attacking talent, led by Kylian Mbappé, and defensive solidity has impressed many observers.”
Should France progress past Sweden, a potential last-16 meeting with Germany awaits, making their route through the knockout stages far from straightforward. Deschamps, who guided the team to glory eight years ago and came within touching distance of a second title in Qatar, remains in charge as France attempt to recapture the trophy.
France’s record in major tournaments under Deschamps — three consecutive final four appearances across the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2016 — underlines their consistency as a heavyweight side. Their group stage form in 2026, including the emphatic victory over Norway, has only reinforced that reputation heading into the knockout rounds.
