France's national football team is demonstrating the qualities of a dominant force, leading many to consider them strong favorites for the 2026 World Cup. Following a commanding victory against Morocco, former England striker Ian Wright described Deschamps' squad as "one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup tournament I have ever seen." This assessment underscores the team's perceived strength and preparedness.
During their match against Morocco, France exhibited significant control, registering 22 attempts on goal compared to Morocco's five. Morocco's sole shot on target occurred late in the game, highlighting France's defensive solidity. Wright noted the difficulty in identifying weaknesses in the French team, suggesting that while teams with Spain's passing ability or the pace of players like Lamine Yamal might pose challenges, France's overall performance is "imperious," augmented by "individual brilliance."
France's squad depth is another significant factor contributing to their favorable outlook. Beyond star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembélé, the team boasts additional attacking talent. This includes Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué, Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. This wealth of offensive options provides tactical flexibility and sustained pressure on opponents.
Defensively, France has also shown remarkable resilience, conceding only two goals across six games in their recent campaign. These goals came in a 3-1 win against Senegal and a 4-1 victory over Norway, the latter being a match where Norway had already secured their knockout stage qualification and rested key players. This defensive record further bolsters confidence in their tournament-winning potential.
Roy Keane, former Manchester United captain, commented on France's ability to manage the game, stating they "have got more gears to go." While acknowledging that no team is unbeatable, Keane observed that France's superior performance in all aspects of the game makes them a formidable opponent. He suggested that any team aiming to defeat France would need to score first. However, even if a team takes the lead, France's ability to control possession and exploit counter-attacking opportunities means they can still win, as Keane put it, they "will pick you off for fun."
Having secured World Cup titles in 1998 and 2018, France has established a legacy of success. The current team, with its blend of established stars and emerging talent, along with strong defensive organization, appears poised to challenge for a third World Cup title in 2026.