As the World Cup group stages conclude, BBC Sport reporters have identified France, Spain, and Argentina as leading contenders, noting distinct strengths in each squad. France has achieved a perfect group stage record for the first time since their 1998 World Cup victory, prompting optimism among observers.
Despite not yet reaching their full potential, France's attacking force, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé, is considered exceptionally dangerous. Didier Deschamps, the team's manager, is noted for his experience in guiding teams to successive World Cup finals. The squad's depth allows for rotations as the tournament progresses, with Mbappé already in formidable form. William Saliba has been highlighted as one of the tournament's top defenders, and Adrien Rabiot's midfield contributions are recognized for brilliantly linking play.
Spain, though yet to hit their peak performance, is also seen as having significant untapped potential. Key players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are expected to contribute further as they return from injury. Some reporters believe Spain could face France in a challenging semi-final, with the victor potentially advancing all the way to the final.
Argentina, under the spotlight for Lionel Messi's impressive goal-scoring record, is also noted for its developing team cohesion. The squad has secured three wins without conceding a goal, scoring five. This performance suggests a more unified approach compared to previous tournaments where individual brilliance was often the sole focus.
Reporters who have observed both France and Brazil in the group stages lean towards France, citing Mbappé's impeccable form and Olise's strong performances. The consensus among several BBC Sport journalists is that France, with its potent attack and squad depth, is currently the team to watch in the tournament.