Khabib backs Germany to win 2026 World Cup but hearts with debutants Uzbekistan

Khabib Nurmagomedov has tipped Germany to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, while reserving his personal support for Uzbekistan, who are appearing at the tournament for the first time in their history.

The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, speaking to Okko Sport in comments translated by Red Corner MMA, said he expects the four-time world champions to go all the way despite not being his preferred side. “Who will win the World Cup? Germany. I am not rooting for them, but I think Germany is the number one favorite,” Nurmagomedov said. “I would put the Netherlands in second. And Spain in third.”

When it came to the golden boot race, however, Nurmagomedov does not see any German among the leading scorers. His predicted top five are France’s Kylian Mbappé, Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez, Brazil’s Vinícius Jr., Portugal’s João Félix, and England’s Harry Kane. “Let me give you my Top 5,” he said. “It’s Mbappé, Lautaro Martínez, Vinícius, João Félix. And we can also go with Kane.”

Nurmagomedov’s emotional investment lies elsewhere entirely. The Dagestani star, who retired from MMA in 2021 with a perfect 29-0 record, revealed he is backing Uzbekistan — a nation with strong cultural ties to his own — and hinted at attending the latter stages of the competition in person. “I’m supporting Uzbekistan,” he said. “The whole team is hungry. I’ve got an invitation to all the games. I think I may fly there for the semifinals and the final.”

Uzbekistan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup marked a historic milestone for Central Asian football, and Nurmagomedov’s public backing will bring the debutants significant global attention ahead of the tournament.