Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey believes France will be the team to beat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the presence of reigning champions Argentina and European giants Spain, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Fulham centre-back made his choice during a light-hearted question-and-answer session organised by his Premier League club. Players were asked to predict which nation would win the next FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
While several players backed their own countries, France emerged as the most popular choice among Fulham's squad. Bassey, whose Nigeria face Portugal on Wednesday, was among those who selected Les Bleus, backing Didier Deschamps' side to secure a third World Cup title.
His prediction comes at a time when France are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament. The French have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the expanded competition, which will feature 48 nations for the first time in World Cup history.
France's chances are strengthened by a squad packed with attacking quality. Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe remains the headline name, while current Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain pair Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise provide additional firepower.
With Bassey's Nigeria not heading to the Mundial, it is no surprise to see the former Ajax defender pitch his tent with a French team that possesses one of the deepest and most balanced squads in international football.
Deschamps chasing perfect France farewell
France's bid for glory carries extra significance because the tournament will be the final chapter of Didier Deschamps' long spell in charge of the national team.
The former midfielder guided France to World Cup success in Russia in 2018 after defeating Croatia in the final. Four years later, he almost delivered another title, but France were beaten by Argentina in a dramatic final in Qatar after Lionel Messi inspired the South Americans to victory on penalties.
Deschamps has already confirmed that he will leave his role after the 2026 World Cup when his current contract expires. That announcement has added further motivation for the French squad as they attempt to give their manager a memorable send-off.
The tournament itself is expected to be historic. It will be the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first edition to feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32.
Although Argentina remain defending champions and Spain continue to be rated among the world's elite sides, Bassey's vote went firmly in favour of France. With Mbappe leading a star-studded squad and Deschamps seeking one final triumph before stepping down, the Super Eagles defender believes Les Bleus have what it takes to reclaim football's biggest prize.
Ironically, Bassey and Nigeria will not be part of the competition after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament. However, the Fulham defender will still be watching closely and expects France to emerge on top when the month-long festival of football reaches its conclusion in North America.
