New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has thrown his weight behind Morocco, predicting that the Atlas Lions will defeat France in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a result that would make Morocco world champions for the first time in their history.

Mamdani, 35, shared his forecast as part of predictions published by The Guardian, envisioning France making a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Unlike the previous two editions, however, the mayor believes Les Bleus will come up short against a Moroccan side determined to go all the way.

One step further than Qatar

Morocco's run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar captured the imagination of the entire African continent. The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup — a historic achievement that raised expectations for 2026.

Mamdani sees Morocco completing what they started four years ago, going one step further and lifting the trophy.