Joel Embiid is well-known for his admiration for football. The 31-year-old might be a basketball player, but he has his eyes on all the majors going on in the football world. The Philadelphia 76ers’ star has recently expressed what he feels about the teams and their performances in the upcoming World Cup which will feature 48 teams and will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Joel Embiid predicts on World Cup 2026 teams and performances
Embiid, an avid football fan, believes that the English team is not going to perform up to the mark once again while France and Spain are going to be great following their stunning squads. The former NBA MVP, via Sky Sports, told the reporters:
“France has had the best team, you know? Spain, I think Spain’s got a chance. England is going to choke again. That happens every single time.”
The 76ers player continued saying:
“Technically, they’ve got the best team. You know, obviously, I’m a big football fan, I watch every single game. As far as talent on paper, it looks good.”
Last time at the footballing major, the Qatar campaign of the 'Three Lions' ended in tears when the English side, then managed by Gareth Southgate, fell against France with a score of 2-1 at the quarter finals.
Harry Kane, the captain of the team, netted a late penalty, but it wasn't enough to defeat the stronger opponents as Aurelien Tchouameni gave his side an early lead at the 17th minute of the game. Additionally, Olivier Giroud made it 2-1 for the French team in the 78th minute ahead of Kane’s goal.
This ended the nation’s hope of winning its first World Cup title since 1966. They made it to the semifinals in Russia 2018 while reaching the finals of the 2020 Euros. It is to be seen how Thomas Tuchel’s team performs this time and if the NBA star’s prediction comes true.