Carragher Backs Mbappe and France for 2026 Glory

As the footballing world turns its attention toward the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Jamie Carragher has placed his bets on a familiar powerhouse and its talismanic leader. The Liverpool legend and prominent pundit believes that this year will belong to Kylian Mbappe, predicting the Real Madrid forward will finally secure his first Ballon d’Or. Carragher’s logic is rooted in the historical trend of the individual award mirroring international success, as he simultaneously tipped France to reclaim their status as world champions on American soil.

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher noted that the Ballon d’Or in a World Cup year is almost invariably handed to the standout performer of the winning nation. He pointed to Mbappe’s previous near-misses as motivation, specifically the 2023 ceremony where the Frenchman finished third behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. That ranking came despite Mbappe’s historic hat-trick in the 2022 final, a feat overshadowed by Messi’s fairytale victory. With Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer dominating the European landscape, Carragher sees a clear path for the 27-year-old to ascend the throne.

The prediction comes amidst a sensational run of form for Mbappe at Real Madrid. Under the tactical guidance of Xabi Alonso, the forward has evolved into the definitive focal point of the Spanish giants’ attack. Statistics from the current 2025/26 campaign are staggering; Mbappe has already netted 29 goals and provided five assists in just 24 appearances. His efficiency has been the primary engine for Madrid, particularly in the Champions League, where he has often single-handedly carried the team’s scoring burden through the league phase.

Carragher’s confidence in France is bolstered by the squad’s depth and Mbappe’s leadership as the national team captain. Having already secured their qualification for the 48-team tournament, Les Bleus are widely regarded as one of the three main favorites alongside holders Argentina and European champions Spain. Carragher argued that France’s ability to consistently reach the deep stages of major tournaments makes them the most logical pick to win in the United States. He believes the combination of Mbappe’s peak physical prime and a supporting cast that includes talents like Ousmane Dembele will be too much for the rest of the world to handle.

The pundit also highlighted the shifting dynamics of the Ballon d’Or race, noting that the “sentimental” era of the award may be closing. While players like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham are rising rapidly, Carragher maintains that a World Cup trophy is the ultimate tie-breaker. He suggested that even if players like Haaland continue to score at a “gazillion-goal” rate for Manchester City, the lack of a dominant international platform for Norway puts them at a significant disadvantage in a year where the eyes of the world are on the North American tournament.

As the 2026 season unfolds, the pressure on Mbappe to deliver for both club and country will only intensify. Real Madrid are currently navigating a competitive La Liga title race and the knockout stages of European competition, while France enters the final stretch of preparations for the summer. If Carragher’s forecast holds true, the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey could serve as the backdrop for the crowning moment of Mbappe’s career, effectively ending the debate over who has inherited the mantle of the world’s best player.