France has secured a dominant start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing first in their star-studded Group I with nine points and advancing to the round of 32. The team won all three group stage matches against Norway, Senegal, and Iraq, scoring 10 goals while conceding only two.
Analysts Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, speaking for FOX Sports, acknowledged France's strong performance but emphasized the increased stakes of the knockout stage.
"This is levels. When they switch on, I don’t see many teams beating them," Ibrahimović said following France's 4-1 victory over Norway. "The only chance they invite their opponents to the game is when they relax, and they switch off." He added that France is "on another level" and considered a favorite to win the tournament.
France's roster has showcased significant talent, with star striker Kylian Mbappé already among the top scorers. Through three games, Mbappé has netted four goals. Ousmane Dembélé also contributed a hat trick against Norway.
Henry, a former French international, highlighted that the World Cup "starts now for everybody" with the onset of single-elimination matches. "When you go into the round of 32, any mistake will be costly," Henry stated. "If you lose, you go home. So let's see what's going to happen."
France is currently +350 to win the tournament. Their next match is scheduled for June 30 against Sweden in New York/New Jersey Stadium.