Khabib Nurmagomedov Picks Germany to Win 2026 World Cup

When the man who never lost a fight says he’s backing Germany to win the World Cup, you pay attention. Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight king, has never been one to follow the herd — inside the cage or out. So when he sat down with Russian outlet Okko Sport and picked the seventh-ranked favorite to take the trophy, it raised more than a few eyebrows.

The Dagestani legend doesn’t just toss out predictions. He lives by them. And his reasoning this time? Germany’s dominant 7-1 drubbing of Curacao in their group stage opener. That result, the biggest win of the tournament’s first round, convinced him that the four-time world champions are ready to reclaim glory. Nurmagomedov, a lifelong football fan who once dreamed of playing professionally before turning to MMA, has been spotted at major matches in recent years. His eye for the game is no casual interest. Khabib, who once traded a football dream for a life of grappling, understands what it takes to back yourself when the world counts you out.

Nurmagomedov didn’t stop there. He ranked the Netherlands second and Spain third, bypassing current heavyweights like Argentina, Brazil, England, France, and Portugal. It’s a bold call from a man who made a career out of proving doubters wrong. But he insists it’s not about fandom — it’s about what he sees on the pitch.

Khabib’s World Cup 2026 Forecast

The 2026 World Cup is still in its early stages, but the favorites list reads like a who’s who of international football. Argentina aims to repeat, Brazil dreams of redemption, and England hopes to end 60 years of hurt. France’s squad is loaded, Spain is the reigning European champion, and Portugal still has Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet Nurmagomedov sees something others miss.

“Who will win the World Cup? Germany,” he said. He emphasized he isn’t supporting them personally — he just believes they have the edge. The sheer pragmatism of the pick is vintage Khabib: cold, calculated, and devoid of sentiment. Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White famously admitted he “hates soccer” back in 2021, so expect no clash of opinions from the boss.

Beyond the Beautiful Game

While the football world debates his prediction, Nurmagomedov’s attention will soon shift back to the cage. His protégé, Islam Makhachev, now holds the UFC welterweight title and is set to defend it against undefeated Irish contender Ian Machado Garry. The fight headlines UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15. It marks Makhachev’s first 170-pound title defense after moving up from lightweight, a move that mirrors Khabib’s own strategy of tearing through weight classes. With Khabib as his head coach, the Dagestani camp is operating at peak intensity.

• Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts Germany will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Germany recorded a 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening group match.
• The top six pre-tournament favorites are Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Spain, and Portugal.
• Islam Makhachev defends the UFC welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.

What This Means for the MMA Landscape

Khabib’s World Cup pick is vintage: he backs the underdog narrative because he lived it. Germany, written off by many, mirrors his own career path — unappreciated until the belt was around his waist. But beyond the football banter, his focus remains on the next generation. Makhachev’s welterweight reign is just beginning, and with Khabib in his corner, the pressure to deliver is immense. Garry, undefeated at 15-0, presents a unique challenge with his length and precision striking. If Makhachev can dominate at 170 as he did at 155, the Dagestani dynasty extends further. The lightweight division, now without Khabib, still feels his shadow — but Makhachev carries the torch with similar stoicism.

Nurmagomedov’s prediction also tells us something about his mindset. He respects form and results over reputation. Germany’s demolition of Curacao was a statement, and he took it seriously. That same analytical eye helps him break down fights for his athletes. Expect him to be ringside in Philadelphia, but for now, he’s enjoying the World Cup as a fan who doesn’t trust the odds.

Islam Makhachev will face Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia on August 15 for the UFC welterweight title. That fight could determine whether the Dagestani reign expands to a second weight class — or if a new star emerges in the Irishman. Either way, Khabib will be watching, calculating the next move.