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Mozzart Sport World Cup prophets: How Kisenge and Karuga saw Spain’s glory coming
Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 20.07.26. | 16:53
If only they had whispered the secret earlier, the rest of the team would have avoided the heartbreak, excuses and post-match analysis sessions
On 11 June 2026, seven Mozzart Sport writers boldly revealed their respective picks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner, putting their football knowledge and instincts to the ultimate test.
Imran Otieno, Meshack Kisenge, Kevin Teya, Josh Angatia, Victor Karuga, Brian Odhiambo, and Sammy Gitahi all made their predictions known ahead of the tournament’s kick-off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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In the article, each writer explained the thinking behind his choice, with factors such as statistics, team pedigree, personal instincts, fear of a jinx, and even a little element of rivalry commonly known as "hate watching" influencing their selections.
However, it was only Kisenge and Karuga who got their predictions right, having backed Spain to be crowned world champions.
The other five predictions fell short at different stages of the tournament.
Imran Otieno
Otieno’s France made a strong run to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain. Ahead of the tournament, Otieno was convinced Les Bleus had what it took to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018, even producing detailed arguments on why Kylian Mbappe and company could go all the way.
That belief, however, suffered a setback after Spain ended France’s title charge with a 2-0 semi-final victory.
The Blues later finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff 6-4 to England, leaving Otieno to quickly shift his focus back to Harambee Stars and local football after Spain’s masterclass.
Brian Odhiambo
Odhiambo’s Argentina prediction came agonizingly close, with La Albiceleste marching all the way to the final before losing 1-0 to Spain.
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The defending champions looked on course to reward his faith, but the dream of another World Cup triumph was ended by Ferran Torres.
Still, Odhiambo took comfort from the fact that he witnessed Lionel Messi grace the biggest stage once again. In the end, the pain of losing was a feeling he was already familiar with- after all, he is an ardent AFC Leopards fan.
Samuel Gitahi
The office never knew peace in the build-up to the tournament, with Gitahi regularly belting out the famous “It’s Coming Home” song whenever he got the chance. He made sure everyone knew England were finally ending their long wait for a second World Cup title.
However, the confidence turned into frustration after the Three Lions’ semi-final exit against Argentina.
Gitahi was left fuming over missed chances and openly questioned Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and team selection after England surrendered their title hopes.
He is yet to fully address the dramatic collapse that saw Argentina score twice in the final 10 minutes to overturn the result and win 2-1.
For now, his social media activity suggests some comfort after England secured a third-place finish.
Kevin Teya
The man confidently picked Brazil despite being aware of their dwindling football fortunes.
A true Madridista, he believed Carlo Ancelotti could pull off the unthinkable and guide an average squad to World Cup glory.
Unfortunately, the record champions were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Norway.
The speed with which he switched allegiance to other teams after Brazil’s elimination deserves to be studied.
However, most of his new favorites also fell short.
Perhaps it is time we crowned him the Chief Jinxer.
Josh Angatia
He breathes and lives tactics. He sees tactical patterns in every movement on the pitch and prefers viewing the game through a tactical lens.
Perhaps, when he sat down to analyze the teams before making his prediction, he saw something special in Germany.
However, the German machine never fired as powerfully as the tactical guru had hoped.
The 2014 champions were sent packing in the Round of 32 after losing 4-3 to Paraguay in a post-match penalty shootout. We are still waiting for his promised press conference, which he said would come shortly after Germany’s return ticket to Berlin was confirmed.
In the end, only Kisenge and Karuga got the golden prediction ticket. If only they had whispered the secret earlier, the rest of the team would have avoided the heartbreak, excuses, and post-match analysis sessions.