Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:31 p.m. / Updated Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:32 p.m.
On the occasion of the debut of the World Championship in 2026, several tennis players from the ATP circuit revealed their favorite national teams to win the trophy. The most interesting prediction came from Novak Djokovic (39, #7 ATP), who sees a final between Portugal and one of the host countries, Mexico.
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The World Cup opener takes place tonight at 10pm between Mexico and South Africa. Gazeta Sporturilor reporters are present at “Estadio Azteca” and transmit the most important information in real time.
Novak Djokovic predicted the World Championship final: “Portugal beats Mexico”
Former world leader Novak Djokovic sees a final between Portugal, the national team led by his good friend Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico, one of the host countries.
“Portugal and Mexico will meet in the final. Portugal will win 2-0 or 2-1,” Novak Djokovic was quoted as saying by Tennis TV.
Flavio Cobolli, finalist at Roland Garros, cannot support his own country, Italy, who again missed the World Cup qualification. However, the Italian bets on Portugal, but also on Holland, mentioning that he would be happy for his good friend, Donyell Malen.
Brazil's Joao Fonseca sees his favorite home country at the World Cup, as does England's Jack Draper, who declared: “It's coming home”.
Frenchman Gael Monfils is betting on the national team led by Kylian Mbappe, and American Ben Shelton is hoping for a miracle from the United States national team, whose coach is Mauricio Pochettino.
Norwegian Casper Ruud was a little more reserved. Although he hopes that Erling Haaland's national team will prevail, he believes that the tournament will be won by Spain.
Asked about the World Cup favourite, Australia's Alex De Minaur said: “With all my heart, I'd like Australia to win. But my mind is telling me Portugal will probably win.”
Frenchman Arthur Fils answered the same question: “I want France to win. I think either France or Argentina will prevail.” Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime supports his own country, but “bets” on Spain.
