France Legend Leboeuf Backs Portugal for 2026 World Cup Glory

In a surprising twist of international loyalty, France’s 1998 World Cup hero Frank Leboeuf has bypassed his own nation to tip Portugal as the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former Chelsea defender, who knows the weight of the gold trophy firsthand, believes the stage is perfectly set for Cristiano Ronaldo to emulate the career-defining triumph his rival Lionel Messi enjoyed in Qatar. Speaking on Friday, December 26, 2025, Leboeuf suggested that the upcoming tournament in North America could serve as a poetic final chapter for the Portuguese icon.

Leboeuf’s endorsement comes at a time when Portugal is enjoying a golden generation of talent under the tactical guidance of Roberto Martínez. Despite the heartbreak of their quarter-final exit to Morocco in 2022, the former center-back argues that the current squad possesses a level of depth and technical quality—a “hell of a team,” in his words—that makes them arguably the most formidable contenders on the planet. For Leboeuf, the narrative arc of the 2026 edition feels strikingly similar to the 2022 campaign that was “dedicated” to Messi’s coronation.

The Frenchman’s comments carry an extra sting back in Paris, where Les Bleus are traditionally expected to be the favorites under Didier Deschamps. However, Leboeuf seems moved by the prospect of footballing symmetry. He expressed a deep hope that Ronaldo, who will be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off, can finally secure the one trophy that has eluded his peerless cabinet. To Leboeuf, such an achievement would not only be a victory for Portugal but a “fantastic” moment for the sport itself.

While Leboeuf has been a frequent and sometimes harsh critic of Ronaldo’s late-career choices—often drawing the ire of the striker’s massive fanbase—his latest take reflects a genuine respect for the veteran’s longevity. He acknowledged that while he often uses his own World Cup winner’s medal as a “trump card” in debates with Ronaldo fans, seeing the Al-Nassr forward lift the trophy at the MetLife Stadium would be a fitting end to the greatest individual rivalry in football history.

However, the endorsement came with a pragmatic warning for the Portuguese coaching staff. Leboeuf noted that for Portugal to go all the way, Roberto Martínez must master the delicate art of managing an aging superstar’s minutes. He cautioned that while Ronaldo remains fit and “good enough” to influence games, the team’s success will depend on whether the coach has the courage to think twice before fielding him in every match, ensuring the squad’s high-octane pace isn’t compromised.

As the world looks toward the first 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Leboeuf’s prediction has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the build-up. For a man who stood on the podium in 1998, seeing the “Seleção das Quinas” as the team to beat is a testament to the shifting power dynamics in European football. Whether Portugal can fulfill this prophecy and “dedicate” 2026 to their captain remains the most compelling question heading into the new year.