Micah Richards names 2026 World Cup favorites to win the trophy

Former England defender Micah Richards has reversed his earlier stance and now backs France to win the 2026 World Cup.

Les Bleus secured a convincing 4‑1 victory over Norway in their group stage match.

Didier Deschamps led France to the 2018 title and was defeated by Argentina in the 2022 final.

France will face Sweden in the round of 32 on 30 June in New York, with a potential last‑16 encounter against Germany on the horizon.

On the “The Rest Is Football” podcast, Richards said: “I said Spain would win the World Cup, but I’m telling you now, France.”

“I’ve seen teams play well, I’ve seen teams be organised, in the low‑block. Argentina are playing for Messi, Morocco look strong, England looked really good against Croatia in that second, but a team that can turn it on – I’ve not seen a team like France.”

“So I think they are now my favourites.”