FRANCE will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the burden of expectation and the backing of many football observers who consider Les Bleus the tournament’s top title contender, thanks to a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappé and a remarkable record of success on the sport’s biggest stage.
Seeking to reclaim the crown they last won in 2018, the French arrive at the World Cup as one of the most battle-tested teams in international football after reaching back-to-back finals, including a runner-up finish to Argentina in 2022. The tournament will also mark the final World Cup campaign of longtime manager Didier Deschamps, adding extra motivation to France’s quest for another championship.
The French roster boasts one of the deepest attacking units in the competition, featuring Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele alongside Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
At the center of France’s title hopes is Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé, already a World Cup winner and Golden Boot recipient, who is expected to spearhead the team’s offensive charge.
Former France defender and World Cup champion Frank Leboeuf believes Les Bleus deserve their status as favorites.
“I think France are the team to beat,” Leboeuf told DAZN News. “It’s only fair, according to what they’ve done before. Only in the history of the World Cup is France the favourite.
“We know that since 1998, we played four finals. That’s quite amazing. And we have more experience,” he added. “Hopefully, France will do the job. Obviously, France has all the focus on their attack and on the amazing options that they have in that position.”
Despite the confidence surrounding the squad, questions remain regarding France’s balance across the field.
Its defensive line possesses quality but has shown inconsistency. Center-back Ibrahima Konate endured an uneven club season, while Maxence Lacroix enters the World Cup with limited international experience.
The midfield has also drawn scrutiny, particularly over who will complement experienced campaigners Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kante.
Leboeuf acknowledged those concerns and stressed that team chemistry could ultimately determine whether France lifts the trophy.
“I still have some question marks about our defensive aspect. And also in the middle of the park, who’s going to be playing? You have to be strong in order to hold the battle,” he said.
“To win a World Cup, you need a crazy chemistry between the players, the staff and understanding 100%. And if you don’t, you’re going to create problems,” he added.
France faces an immediate test when it opens its campaign against Senegal, the same nation that stunned Les Bleus in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
The French will then take on Iraq before wrapping up Group Stage play against Norway, a dangerous dark-horse squad returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Armed with elite talent, extensive tournament experience, and one of the deepest squads in the field, France enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the leading favorites. Whether Les Bleus can convert that promise into another championship remains one of the tournament’s biggest storylines./PN
