Nostradamus predictions for 2026: War, death and global unrest; who was Nostradamus?

Nostradamus predictions for 2026: As the year 2026 begins, followers of Nostradamus are once again debating his dark predictions for the future. Nostradamus, whose real name was Michel de Nostredame, was a French astrologer and physician who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his book Les Propheties, published in 1555, which contains 942 short poems, called quatrains.

Supporters believe his writings predicted major events such as Adolf Hitler’s rise, the 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic, though historians say these interpretations are vague and open to debate.

Why 2026 is being linked to his writings

Nostradamus never mentioned exact years, but conspiracy theorists claim that the 26th quatrains of his work point towards events expected in 2026.

For 2025, his followers had linked his verses to: An end to the Russia-Ukraine war; asteroid hitting Earth; natural disasters in Brazil and a return of an “ancient plague”. Now, attention has shifted to 2026.

Major Nostradamus predictions for 2026

Death of a powerful world figure

One verse from Century I, Quatrain 26 says: “The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt.” Followers believe this could mean: The assassination of a famous global leader,

A sudden political collapse or coup

The words are unclear, but many think it points to a major shock in world politics.

Bloodshed in Switzerland’s Ticino region

Another verse warns that the Ticino region of Switzerland will “overflow with blood” after an act of favour.

Ticino is a peaceful, Italian-speaking region in southern Switzerland. Though Switzerland is known for neutrality, conspiracy theorists believe this verse suggests: A violent conflict in Europe and  rising tensions involving nearby Italy.

Recently, a deadly fire at a luxury ski resort in Crans-Montana, about 167 km from Ticino, killed several people and injured over 100. This incident has been linked by some to Nostradamus’ prophecy, though there is no official connection.

‘Biblical Bees’ and rise of authoritarian power

Another mysterious line reads: “The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…  Some interpret “bees” as not insects, but symbols of: political movements and powerful leaders or regimes.

Reports suggest the colour black, often linked to swarms and fascism, could point to the rise of authoritarian or totalitarian governments in 2026.

Seven-month global war

One of the most worrying predictions says:

“Seven months great war, people dead through evil…”

Followers believe this hints at: a global war lasting seven months; and two powerful leaders refusing to back down.

Cities named in the verse, like Rouen and Evreux, are in France, adding to fears of Europe being involved.

Naval war and seven nations

Another verse talks about ships and sea battles: “Foists and galleys around seven ships, a mortal war will be let loose.”

Many believe this could point to a naval conflict in the South China Sea, involving: China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and The Philippines. These countries are already involved in territorial disputes in the region.

Why Nostradamus’ writings are so dark

Historians believe Nostradamus’ gloomy outlook came from personal tragedy. He lost his wife and young children to illness, possibly the plague.

Unable to save them, he turned to astrology and prophecy, often writing about death, war, and disaster. His heavy influence from the Old Testament also shaped his bleak vision of humanity’s future.