With the World Cup now just days away, football fans across the globe are making their final predictions about who will lift the trophy - and it could be England according to one special prediction.

Some are turning to statistics, form guides and bookmakers' odds. Others are looking somewhere rather less conventional for answers.

Brazilian mystic Athos Salomé, often dubbed the "Living Nostradamus", has weighed in with his own prediction for the tournament, and while he has stopped short of naming an outright winner, he believes the eventual champions will share one common characteristic.

What has Athos Salomé predicted?

Salomé, who has built a following through a series of predictions on world events, said the nation that triumphs at the World Cup will be associated with the colours of fire.

Speaking in comments shared by LADbible, he said: "I see heavy, deep, dominant colours. Colours of fire. It is an energy of heat, friction and intense force."

"The national sides that survive this tournament will be those wrapped in the colours of flame."

While he did not identify a specific country, the prediction has fuelled speculation about which teams best fit the description.

Could Spain fit the prophecy?

Spain are among the most obvious candidates.

Known as "La Roja" or "The Red One", the European champions traditionally play in red and arrive at the tournament among the favourites.

The squad combines established stars with a new generation of talent, including Lamine Yamal, while Rodri remains one of the most influential midfielders in world football.

After winning Euro 2024, Spain will be confident of challenging for another major international title.

What about Portugal?

Portugal are another side strongly associated with red shirts.

The tournament could represent Cristiano Ronaldo's final opportunity to win the one major honour that has eluded him throughout his career.

The prediction also aligns with comments previously made by Brazilian psychic Michael Bruno, who told Globo Esporte: "Since 2022, I've been announcing the next champion team. Since then, I've been stating that Portugal will be the world champion."

Whether prophecy translates into reality remains to be seen, but Portugal are expected to be among the contenders.

Have England been given hope?

England supporters may also find encouragement in Salomé's comments.

Although the Three Lions traditionally wear white at home, their away strip is red, drawing comparisons with England's 1966 World Cup-winning side.

With another major tournament approaching, hopes are once again growing that England can end decades of disappointment on the biggest stage.

Why are the Netherlands also being mentioned?

One team which does not wear red but still appears to fit the prediction is the Netherlands.

Salomé suggested orange could also be interpreted as a colour of flame, potentially bringing the Dutch into contention.

The Oranje have long been regarded as one of international football's strongest nations never to win the World Cup, and many analysts expect them to challenge deep into the tournament.

Which other countries could be contenders?

Salomé also pointed to several other nations which he believes carry similar "energy".

Among them were France, Morocco and Argentina.

France's traditional kit includes red accents, Morocco play predominantly in red, while Argentina were cited for possessing what Salomé described as "pure heat and intensity".

Other nations associated with red, including Norway, Turkey and Switzerland, also fit elements of the prediction, although they are not widely regarded among the leading favourites.

Ultimately, Salomé's forecast offers a different perspective on a tournament that remains impossible to predict.

As football fans know better than anyone, the World Cup has a habit of ignoring even the most confident forecasts.