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Al Ain coach backs France for World Cup, supports Egypt and Morocco

From Al-Masry Al-Youm · () Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Vladimir Ivić, head coach of UAE's Al Ain, predicts France will win the 2026 World Cup, citing their strong squad and technical stability.
  • Ivić also declared his support for Egypt, Morocco, and Paraguay in the tournament, due to the presence of Al Ain players in their national teams.
  • He expressed surprise at João Pedro's exclusion from Brazil's squad, praising the player's significant technical and physical abilities.

Vladimir Ivić, the Serbian head coach of UAE club Al Ain, has tipped France to win the 2026 World Cup, citing the French team's formidable squad depth and established technical stability as key factors. Ivić believes "Les Bleus" possess the necessary components to emerge victorious in the tournament.

The "Roosters" possess the components that make them the most prominent candidates to win the tournament.

— Vladimir Ivićexplaining his prediction for France winning the 2026 World Cup

While acknowledging France as the favorite, Ivić also announced his intention to support Egypt, Morocco, and Paraguay during the World Cup. This support stems from the fact that several Al Ain players, including Ramy Rabia, Soufiane Rahimi, and Alejandro "Kaku" Gómez, will be representing these nations. He also expressed his backing for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I will give my support during the tournament to the teams of Egypt, Morocco, and Paraguay, because there are a number of Al Ain players within the ranks of these national teams.

— Vladimir Ivićexplaining his support for specific national teams

In a separate comment, Ivić voiced his astonishment at the omission of João Pedro from Brazil's national team roster for the upcoming event. The Al Ain coach lauded the player's considerable technical and physical prowess, asserting that Pedro possesses the qualities to significantly contribute to any team. Ivić highlighted the striker's offensive capabilities and tactical understanding, deeming him a player with integrated skills capable of adding value.

The player possesses great technical and physical capabilities and deserved to be present at the global event.

— Vladimir Ivićcommenting on João Pedro's exclusion from Brazil's squad
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al-Masry Al-Youm in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.