The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is already generating excitement – and some bold predictions. UFC fighter Brandon Moreno has thrown his support behind the Mexican National Team, going so far as to offer a personal wager should they reach the semifinals. This display of confidence comes at a time when the team isn’t necessarily considered a frontrunner, making Moreno’s belief in their potential all the more noteworthy. The conversation surrounding the Mexican team and their chances in the 2026 World Cup highlights the passion and national pride surrounding the sport.
Moreno, even as admitting he hasn’t always been a dedicated soccer fan, acknowledges the pervasive influence of “fútbol” in Mexican culture. “Before I was a big fan of soccer, now the truth is that I’m not so much, but you do hear a lot on social networks and other pages about the situation of the National Team,” he said. He recognizes that the team may not be at its historical peak, but believes that challenging moments can be catalysts for significant change. “Those kinds of moments are the ones that can help you change everything in one fell swoop,” Moreno stated, adding, “Let’s see how it goes, I’m Mexican and I’m going to Mexico. If he does well, super cool, super proud.”
Moreno’s World Cup Predictions and a Bold Bet
When discussing potential champions of the tournament, Moreno acknowledged the usual suspects. He pointed to Argentina, fresh off their victory in the 2022 World Cup, as a strong contender. Lionel Messi and the Argentinian squad have set a high bar for success. He also identified Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Brazil as perennial powerhouses. He even gave a nod to Morocco, acknowledging their surprising run in the previous World Cup. Despite recognizing the strength of these teams, Moreno ultimately placed his faith in Mexico.
To underscore his confidence, Moreno issued a playful challenge: “I’m going to shave my head, I’m going to play it safe.” This commitment demonstrates the depth of his belief in the Mexican team’s ability to make a deep run in the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in 16 cities across the three countries, including several in Mexico, adding to the home-field advantage and national fervor.
Comparing Athletic Achievements: UFC Championship vs. World Cup Glory
Moreno also pondered the relative difficulty of winning a World Cup versus a UFC championship. He acknowledged the unique challenges presented by each sport. “To be very honest, I believe that soccer is the most essential and famous sport in the world, but they are different sports, some are team sports and others are individual,” he explained. He noted soccer’s longer history and the complexities of team dynamics, while also recognizing the intense physical and mental demands of mixed martial arts. He left the question open for debate, stating, “Soccer has much more years of history, I would consider it to be soccer, but mixed martial arts is a very complicated, very tough sport and reaching the championship is a very difficult and complicated task, but I’m going to leave it to you to answer us.”
Moreno praised Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Portugal, as a “discipline machine,” despite acknowledging that the veteran player may not be at his peak. He noted Ronaldo’s impressive work ethic even in his forties, a testament to his dedication to the sport. Portugal is currently ranked 16th in the world by FIFA, as of January 19, 2026, according to FIFA rankings. The Mexican national team currently holds a FIFA ranking of 16th as well.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Mexican National Team faces the challenge of living up to the expectations of its passionate fanbase – and the bold predictions of its supporters like Brandon Moreno. The team’s performance will undoubtedly be a source of national pride and conversation throughout Mexico. The next key milestone for the team will be their upcoming qualifying matches, which will determine their path to the tournament.
What are your thoughts on Mexico’s chances in the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow soccer fans!
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