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Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye believes France will claim the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming Les Bleus as his winners following Germany’s elimination by Paraguay in the round of 32,PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

His forecast received additional validation when Les Bleus secured their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Morocco in Thursday’s quarter-final match held at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

The 26-year-old Udinese goalkeeper made the comment during the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show at Paris Fashion Week, when he was interviewed by Dazed while sitting next to American rapper Cardi B.

When asked to reveal his favorites for lifting the World Cup trophy, Okoye confessed he had initially supported Germany before their exit and then changed his allegiance to France.

“I supported Germany, but regrettably, we’ve already been eliminated, so I’ll go with France,” said the Nigerian player.

Okoye’s forecast has taken on more importance as France maintain their strong performance in the competition.

France advanced through the group stage with a flawless nine points following wins against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, then beat Sweden in the Round of 32, Paraguay in the Round of 16, and Morocco in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals.

Germany, on the other hand, faced another underwhelming performance. Although they started the tournament with wins against Curaçao and Ivory Coast, they were defeated by Ecuador in their last group game and then eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout.

Nigeria was unable to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup following their failure to advance in the African qualification stage.

France are still in the running for a third FIFA World Cup victory, following their wins in 1998 and 2018, and they also came second to Argentina in the 2022 competition.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).