Micah Richards has tipped Brazil or France to win the 2026 World Cup, as England's 60-year wait for glory continues. The former Manchester City defender believes Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side, boosted by Neymar's return, and Didier Deschamps' France, with a formidable attack, are the frontrunners.
Brazil and France Lead the Pack
This summer's revamped tournament kicks off on Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa in the first of 104 games. Argentina defend their crown after beating France on penalties in Qatar four years ago. France, desperate to repeat their 2018 success, have only three survivors from that final starting XI: Lucas Hernandez, Kylian Mbappe, and N'Golo Kante. However, their attack is now even more fearsome with Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise. Behind them, Kante aims to prove his worth at 35, while emerging stars Warren Zaïre-Emery and Manu Kone step up.
Brazil, coached by club legend Carlo Ancelotti, seek to end a 24-year drought. Neymar is included despite a calf injury that may delay his impact. The blistering heat across Mexico, Canada, and the United States will also play a role, with Richards believing ball possession is key.
Richards: Neymar's Presence Huge for Brazil
Speaking to Metro, Richards said: 'Something is telling me Brazil are going to show up and have a very good World Cup. I feel Neymar coming back into the squad gives them a huge lift. With all the pressure they are under he gives them that confidence and personality. It should serve them well.'
He added: 'France with that forward line are up there too – people talk about their midfield [being weaker compared to 2018] but Kone in midfield is outstanding. Zaïre-Emery has excelled there and in other positions. Kante is still there and you know you are going to get hard work. With all the talent in front, you need people behind them who know what needs to be done.'
Tuchel a Genius for England
England, under Gareth Southgate, reached a semi-final and a final before being eliminated at the quarter-finals in the last World Cup. Thomas Tuchel took over last year, and Richards has full faith in him. 'Southgate did a fantastic job but it was some of those in-game, tactical substitutions and decisions and whether he made those at the right time [that cost him]. I think Tuchel is a genius at that. He knows best how to set up within a game and has picked a squad for that.'
Despite notable omissions, England have one of the strongest squads, led by Harry Kane. Richards said: 'When you look at our starting line-up, I think we have a really good chance. But I feel everyone has to play to their best of their capabilities. In some other teams you might be able to carry someone. Kylian Mbappe might not do the work off the ball but on the ball you know he will come up with that moment of magic.'
He added: 'With England at times, too many players have been playing in their shell. Jude Bellingham has had those big moments, but who else? We need more players like that with personality to say "this is our time". I'll always be confident of England getting to the semi-finals but they all need to be at their best – if one of them is off, no, I don't think it comes home.'
Richards has teamed up with Peperami for its Be Bold. Be Meaty campaign, fronting a social-first content series during the World Cup and supporting the launch of Peperami x Doritos BBQ Sweet Tang limited edition range.
