Victor Wembanyama Backs France as Favorites for 2026 World Cup Amid Friendly Matches in the US

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs basketball star and ardent PSG supporter, has voiced strong support for the French national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking ahead of France’s friendlies in the United States this week, Wembanyama predicted that France would be among the favorites to win the tournament. He expressed his excitement about the upcoming World Cup and admiration for Les Bleus, despite not having direct contact with them but following their progress on television.

Currently, the French team is in Boston for two preparatory matches: against Brazil on March 24 and Colombia on March 26, before continuing their World Cup campaign. However, the local enthusiasm in Boston appears muted, with the city's attention focused on the Boston Marathon rather than football. Ticket prices for the Brazil match are notably high, starting at 200 euros. Meanwhile, star forward Kylian Mbappé dismissed injury rumors, calling them false.

Wembanyama’s backing adds a notable voice of encouragement for the French squad as they gear up for a challenging World Cup, which will see them also face Senegal, Norway, and a qualifying playoff winner in the tournament's East Coast phase. His emotional reaction to France’s recent Olympic final loss in Paris 2024 underscores his passionate connection with French sports.

Despite limited local fanfare in Boston, the countdown clock at Quincy Market reflects the anticipation with 79 days remaining until the World Cup kickoff. Wembanyama’s optimistic forecast positions France as one of the top contenders in the global tournament, highlighting growing momentum around the team as the World Cup approaches.