Jamie Carragher Reveals His 2026 Predictions for the Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d’Or
With 2025 now behind us, attention has turned to what the footballing landscape might look like in 2026. Jamie Carragher has wasted no time in offering his predictions, naming his expected winners for the Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d’Or.
Although Carragher only lifted one major honour during his playing career — the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 — he has since become one of English football’s most outspoken pundits. That reputation has continued into the new year, with the former defender making several eye-catching calls.
Last year proved to be a season of surprises, as clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, St Mirren and Aberdeen all enjoyed rare trophy successes. Whether 2026 follows a similar pattern remains to be seen, but Carragher has laid out his vision for the year ahead.
Premier League prediction
Writing in his Telegraph column, Carragher tipped Arsenal to finally reclaim the Premier League title. The Gunners have not won the league since 2004, but their current position at the top of the table — four points clear of Manchester City — has convinced him that this could be their moment.
He explained that Arsenal possess the strongest overall squad and appear well prepared to end their long wait for silverware, pointing to the team’s solid core built around their goalkeeper, centre-backs and Declan Rice. However, he warned that the title race will not be simple, highlighting injuries as a potential stumbling block.
Carragher also refused to discount Manchester City, suggesting that if Pep Guardiola’s side remain close, Arsenal — and particularly their supporters — could feel the pressure.
World Cup prediction
Carragher believes the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the standout sporting event of the year. While he expects England to reach the latter stages under Thomas Tuchel, he does not see them going all the way.
Instead, Carragher has backed France to lift the trophy. He praised the depth and quality of the French squad, noting their recent record of reaching the final in the last two tournaments.
He also highlighted Didier Deschamps’ experience and tactical approach as well suited to the tournament conditions, adding that France’s blend of pace and technical ability makes them a team no opponent would want to face in the knockout rounds.
Ballon d’Or prediction
With France tipped to win the World Cup, Carragher believes the Ballon d’Or winner will also come from their squad. While Ousmane Dembélé claimed the award in 2025, Carragher expects Kylian Mbappé to take the top individual honour in 2026.
Although he predicted that Declan Rice would collect both the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards, Carragher stressed that the Ballon d’Or typically goes to the standout player from the World Cup-winning nation.
Having finished third in the last voting behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, Mbappé could finally claim the prize if France triumph.
Only time will tell how accurate these forecasts prove to be, but Carragher’s bold predictions will certainly be revisited once 2026 draws to a close.