Patriots QB Drake Maye Boldly Forecasts 2026 World Cup Winner Before Super Bowl Showdown

Rising NFL quarterback sensation Drake Maye showed no uncertainty when asked about his 2026 World Cup prediction, selecting Argentina and Lionel Messi to claim consecutive championships this summer.

Maye aims to guide the New England Patriots to Super Bowl LX victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. However, before the most significant match of his professional journey, the 23-year-old athlete took time to share his 2026 World Cup forecast.

"Will Messi compete for Argentina?" Maye inquired before receiving confirmation. "Then I'm selecting Argentina with Messi. Respect to [the USMNT], I must support the USMNT too. So either the U.S. or Argentina.

"I think it's fantastic that the World Cup is coming to America. There will be matches in our region, in New England. The World Cup is such an incredible event."

Gillette Stadium, the home venue for Maye and the Patriots, will stage five group phase encounters during the World Cup—including the exciting matchup between France and Norway. The venue will also accommodate a round of 32 fixture and a quarterfinal battle later in the competition.

Drake Maye Admits He's a Soccer Fan, Reveals Favorite Players

Drake Maye Admits He's a Soccer Fan, Reveals Favorite Players

However, Maye didn't only discuss his enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup, he also disclosed he's a devoted follower of the sport, largely due to a video game he previously enjoyed.

"I was a huge FIFA [now EA FC] enthusiast in the past." Maye shared. "I enjoyed playing FIFA tremendously."

Actually, that wasn't the sole occasion Maye referenced the renowned video game series during Super Bowl week. The Patriots' signal-caller received a signed Harry Kane Bayern Munich jersey, and an enthusiastic Maye disclosed the English striker is among his preferred players to control when playing EA FC.

Throughout his tenure at the University of North Carolina and into his NFL journey, Maye has consistently donned the No. 10 jersey. While he maintains his choice to wear this number isn't soccer-related, he also values the connection it creates with some of his beloved players in the sport.

"I appreciate that connection," Maye stated. "I'm a huge admirer of Messi, I'm a big supporter of Neymar. Does [Kylian] Mbappé sport No. 10 as well? I mean, numerous soccer legends. I believe it's an excellent number.

"I recall watching when Messi triumphed over France [in the 2022 World Cup final]. It was such an outstanding match. What an amazing sport soccer is."

It's evident Maye possesses a strong passion for soccer, one that will probably intensify during the World Cup this summer. However, he's not the first Patriots quarterback to express his appreciation for futból.

Drake Maye Following Tom Brady's Footsteps in More Ways Than One

Drake Maye Following Tom Brady's Footsteps in More Ways Than One

Maye is attempting to become the first quarterback in NFL history other than Tom Brady to guide the Patriots to Super Bowl success. Parallels have already emerged between Maye and the former New England quarterback, but one characteristic they both possess is their passion for soccer.

Brady has deeply involved himself in the soccer realm since retiring from the NFL. The seven-time Super Bowl winner is now also a minority stakeholder of second-division English club Birmingham City—much to Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney's disappointment.

He also took part in the star-studded 2026 World Cup group stage ceremony last December, and while Brady will be strongly supporting the U.S. men's national team this summer, his desire for Mauricio Pochettino's squad to possess a Lamine Yamal caliber talent might be somewhat unrealistic.

Nevertheless, Brady appears to have a genuine love for soccer and Maye is emulating his path in this aspect too, maintaining the legacy of Patriots quarterbacks fascinated by the sport.

The Super Bowl represents the greatest sporting event in America, but with soccer's rapid expansion in the nation, don't be shocked if numerous notable NFL personalities like Maye and Brady are observed enthusiastically watching the 2026 World Cup this summer.

Or, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the summer tournament: "104 Super Bowls in one month."

READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE

READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE

Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.