Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands walks across the track before the F1 Austrian Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen does not believe England will end their long wait for World Cup glory, as the Dutch driver backs France to lift the 2026 World Cup instead.Talk through SPORTbible Hot lap At Silverstone, Verstappen gave a frank assessment of the tournament as the quarter-finals got underway, insisting Didier Deschamps’ side remain the strongest team in the competition despite England’s impressive run to the last eight.England is preparing to face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday after its exciting victory over Mexico 3-2, while France has already secured its place in the semi-finals by defeating Morocco 2-0.
Verstappen expects France to win the World Cup
Asked whether football would finally “return” to England, Verstappen ruled out the possibility.“No, I don’t think that will happen,” Verstappen said. “I think France is very good.”This comment came at a time when England fans still dream of ending six decades without a major international title.
Thomas Tuchel’s side secured their place in the quarter-finals after beating hosts Mexico 3-2 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
England played the final 40 minutes with ten men after Jarel Quansah was sent off for a strong challenge on Jesus Gallardo, but held on to win in a hostile atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca.
England players celebrate after winning the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
The Three Lions now face Norway for a place in the semi-finals.
France continues to justify the favorites tag
Verstappen’s predictions come on the heels of another strong showing from France.The French national team opened the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco, extending its perfect record in the tournament to six victories from six matches.
Frenchman Kylian Mbappe celebrates after France’s victory over Morocco during the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between France and Morocco in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Kylian Mbappe recovered from a missed penalty kick in the first half to score the opener before Ousmane Dembélé added the second, sending Didier Deschamps’ side into their third successive World Cup semi-final.France emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament, scoring freely while remaining defensively strong throughout their campaign.Spain have now joined them in the semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1, setting up a tight clash with France.
Verstappen refuses to choose between Messi and Ronaldo
During the same interview, Verstappen was also asked to settle one of the longest debates in football by choosing between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Rather than choosing one over the other, the four-time Formula 1 world champion said the pair should not be directly compared as they each achieved greatness in different ways.“You can’t compare them because it’s completely different,” Verstappen replied.“The way they achieved greatness, that’s what I always find.”Messi is still in competition for another World Cup title with Argentina, while Ronaldo’s international career ended emotionally after Portugal’s defeat in the round of 16 against Spain.With England still needing to beat Norway before any potential meeting with one of the tournament’s favorites, Verstappen believes France will remain the standard. Whether France are able to justify this situation during the latter stages of the competition now remains one of the crucial questions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
