Mumbai City FC players predict the FIFA World Cup 2026 winners
Portugal receives strong backing from the Islanders
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just few hours away as the excitement runs high among the fans around the globe.
48 teams are set to feature in the greatest football tournament starting from June 12.
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 gathers pace, several Mumbai City FC players have disclosed their picks for World Cup glory through the club’s Instagram handle.
Dhruv Alva: Spain to shine, Portugal to surprise
Dhruv Alva believes Spain have got all the potential to become the world champions this time.
With generational talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri under their ranks, Spain remain one of the formidable sides given its talented young squad and traditional possession-based game.
The right back feels Portugal could exceed expectations and will be a team to watchout for.
Lalnuntluanga: Backing France, Norway as the Darkhorse
Lalnuntluanga is putting his faith on France, who clinched the silverware in 2018 and ended up as the runners-up in 2022. France’s offensive prowess and overall squad depth make them one of the lethal sides in the tournament.
The midfielder backed Erling Haaland’s Norway as the dark horses of the tournament, believing they could surprise the world.
Read more: Full list of captains of all 48 nations at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Argentina’s Lionel Messi
Puipuia: Portugal favoured; Japan could be the surprise package
Zothanpuia, fondly known as Puipuia, is firmly in Portugal’s corner. He believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s team possesses the balance and experience required to go all the way. His dark horse selection is Japan.
Bijay Chhetri: Portugal for glory; South Korea could surprise
Centre-back Bijay Chhetri also backs Portugal as the strongest contender for the coveted FIFA World Cup title.
Chhetri joined the Islanders from Colón FC on a free transfer in 2025. The defender sees South Korea, the South Asian country that consistently challenged top opponents, could once again upset the potential favourites.
Lallianzuala Chhangte: Portugal, the team to beat
Mumbai City FC captain Lallianzuala Chhangte is fully backing Portugal to become the world champions. He believes that one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, could fulfil the dream he had been cherishing for years.
Chhangte believes Morocco and Croatia could be the dark horses given their proven credentials on the global stage.
Joni Kauko: Argentina can deliver again
Experienced midfielder Joni Kauko is a great admirer of the great Lionel Messi and has gone against the majority of his teammates by selecting Argentina as the champions.
La Albiceleste remains one of the most consistent teams in world football, as he believed Messi and co. could defend the throne this time.
His dark horse pick is South Korea for this edition.
Nuno Reis and Brandon Fernandes feel Portugal are the clear favourites
Both Nuno Reis and Brandon Fernandes confidently predict a Portuguese triumph, expressing their belief that Portugal will lift the World Cup trophy.
Portugal’s sensational midfield depth with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Bernardo Silva, a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, makes them the clear favourites among the Islanders.
When will the FIFA World Cup begin?
The FIFA World Cup will start on June 12.
How many teams will participate in FIFA World Cup?
A total of 48 teams will participate in the FIFA World Cup.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.