Former Chipolopolo Stars Predict Portugal, Spain and France Will Challenge for Global Crown
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Zambia internationals Noah Chivuta and Nchimunya Mweetwa have shared their predictions on which nations could emerge as champions of the world’s biggest football tournament.
The competition, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to make history with an expanded format featuring 48 teams, including a record number of African representatives.
Spain Tops Chivuta’s List
Former Chipolopolo midfielder Noah Chivuta believes Spain has what it takes to lift the World Cup trophy.
According to Chivuta, the European side possesses a talented squad capable of competing with the very best teams in the tournament.
He pointed to the blend of youth, technical quality and squad depth as factors that could help Spain go all the way.
Portugal Backed as Dark Horses
While naming Spain among his favourites, Chivuta also highlighted Portugal as a team that should not be overlooked.
He believes several key Portuguese players are approaching the latter stages of their international careers, which could provide extra motivation to make one final push for World Cup success.
Chivuta noted that Portugal’s experienced squad, combined with strength in midfield and attack, makes them one of the most dangerous teams entering the tournament.
South American Threat Remains Strong
Despite favouring European nations, Chivuta warned that South American teams could still play a major role in deciding the destination of the trophy.
He identified Brazil as a side capable of producing another strong World Cup campaign, while also suggesting that host nation Mexico could benefit from home support and exceed expectations.
The former midfielder believes playing on familiar territory could provide Mexico with an important advantage throughout the competition.
France Among the Main Contenders
Chivuta also included France among the strongest candidates for the title.
He praised the depth and quality of the French attack, arguing that their firepower could prove decisive during the latter stages of the tournament.
With several world-class players expected to feature, France enters the competition as one of the teams many observers believe can challenge for the championship.
Mweetwa Picks His Top Four
Former Chipolopolo striker Nchimunya Mweetwa also shared his predictions, naming Portugal, France, Argentina and Spain as his leading contenders.
Mweetwa believes each of the four nations possesses the quality and experience required to compete for football’s most prestigious prize.
While acknowledging the strengths of all four teams, he reserved special praise for Portugal.
Portugal Midfield Could Be Key
According to Mweetwa, Portugal’s midfield department could become one of the defining factors of the tournament.
He believes the European nation has spent years building a balanced squad and now possesses some of the finest midfield talent in world football.
With a strong supporting cast across the pitch, Mweetwa feels Portugal has the tools necessary to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Morocco Carries Africa’s Hopes
Turning attention to Africa’s prospects, Chivuta identified Morocco as the continent’s strongest candidate to make a deep run in the tournament.
He praised the North African side for its structure, organisation and quality of players, qualities that helped Morocco achieve historic success at previous World Cups.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, football fans around the world will soon discover whether the predictions of the two former Chipolopolo stars prove accurate when the battle for global supremacy begins.
