Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has weighed in on the FIFA World Cup 2026 title race, offering a blunt assessment of England's chances. With the Three Lions preparing for a quarter-final clash against Norway, the Red Bull driver believes another European powerhouse remains the team to beat, despite England's impressive run to the last eight.
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Max Verstappen backs France over England to win FIFA World Cup 2026
England have built momentum during the knockout stage after edging past Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter, a victory that came despite playing a significant portion of the match with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card.
The result has reignited hopes of England ending their long wait for World Cup glory. However, Verstappen believes the trophy will not be heading to England this time around.
Speaking during SPORTbible's Hot Lap at Silverstone, the Dutchman was asked whether football was finally "coming home."
"No, I don't think it will [come home]," Max Verstappen said. "I think France is too good."
France have looked like one of the standout teams at the tournament, winning all six of their matches en route to the semi-finals. Didier Deschamps' side has also benefited from the sensational form of Kylian Mbappe, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
With England still needing to overcome Norway before potentially facing one of the tournament heavyweights, Verstappen believes Les Bleus remain the strongest contenders for the title.
Verstappen refuses to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
During the same interview, Max Verstappen was also asked to settle one of football's longest-running debates by choosing between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rather than picking a favorite, the four-time Formula 1 world champion praised both legends for their remarkable careers and suggested their achievements should be appreciated individually.
"You can't compare them because it's just different. The way they achieved greatness, that's what I always find."
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While Verstappen's prediction has added another talking point ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals, England will be focused on proving doubters wrong when they take on Norway with a place in the last four at stake.