Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has changed his prediction for the 2026 World Cup winner, now backing Spain to lift the trophy.
The tournament kicked off today, Thursday, with Mexico facing South Africa. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand said a fully fit Spain side would be hard to beat.
“A fit Lamine Yamal, a fit Nico Williams and a fit Rodri… Spain takes some beating,” he said. “I have been saying France every day until today.”
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Ferdinand had previously named France as his favourites, praising Didier Deschamps’ ability to manage stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
He outlined how Mbappe could score six goals from the left, with Dembele adding five, and Desire Doue and Michael Olise completing the attack.
When asked why he switched his pick, Ferdinand said he simply believed Spain would win if their key players stayed fit.
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