FIFA-licensed football agent Drew Uyi has tipped France as one of the strongest contenders to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the unexpected results and controversies that have shaped the tournament.
Uyi spoke in Abuja on Friday while reviewing the quality of the competition, the performance of standout teams and the lessons Nigeria can draw from missing out on the tournament.
According to him, the 2026 World Cup has delivered beyond expectations, especially with the expanded 48-team format giving more countries the opportunity to compete on the global stage.
He said the larger format had not reduced the quality of the tournament, but instead showed that football development across the world had improved significantly.
Uyi noted that several countries had shown they were no longer at the World Cup merely to participate, but to challenge traditional football powers.
He also praised the atmosphere created by the three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, saying the co-hosts had provided a fitting setting for the world’s biggest football event.
However, the football agent expressed concern over officiating at the tournament, particularly the inconsistent use of the Video Assistant Referee.
He said some VAR decisions had continued to divide opinion and generate debate among fans, analysts and football stakeholders.
Uyi described Brazil’s early elimination as one of the biggest shocks of the competition.
He said the exit of the five-time world champions proved that history, reputation and tradition alone were no longer enough to guarantee success at the highest level.
The FIFA agent identified Norway as one of the surprise teams of the tournament.
He credited Norway’s impressive run to tactical discipline, physical strength, intensity and the impact of top-level players within the squad.
Uyi also singled out Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal as one of the players whose global reputation had grown during the tournament.
He said consistent performances at the World Cup could significantly improve a player’s market value, commercial appeal and leadership profile.
Speaking on Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup, Uyi urged the Nigeria Football Federation to move beyond reliance on raw talent.
He said Nigerian football needed a more deliberate long-term development plan to compete consistently at major international tournaments.
According to him, sustained investment in grassroots football, coaching education, sports science and a clear football identity across national teams would be critical for future success.
Looking ahead to the closing stages of the tournament, Uyi said France remained his favourite to lift the trophy.
He pointed to France’s balance of experienced players, young talents, tactical flexibility and squad depth as key advantages.
Uyi added that Spain had also been impressive, but said France’s experience in winning major international competitions could give them an edge when the pressure increases.
