Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes France are the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that Spain are the only team capable of preventing Didier Deschamps’ side from lifting the trophy.
France have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, strengthening their status as tournament favourites after a string of dominant performances.
Les Bleus finished top of Group I with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals across victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
They have continued their strong form in the knockout stages, defeating Sweden in the Round of 32 before overcoming Paraguay to book a place in the quarter-finals.
France will now face Morocco for a place in the last four.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wenger said he believes France have what it takes to win their third FIFA World Cup title.
“France will win the World Cup,” Wenger said.
Acknowledging that his prediction could be viewed as patriotic, the Frenchman added:
“I know you will say, ‘Of course you say that, you’re French.'”
Why France stand out
Wenger explained that winning the World Cup requires more than talent, saying teams must be able to keep pace with the tournament’s intensity.
“But when you analyse the World Cup, the train goes at a certain pace and you have to be capable of getting on the train.”
While backing France to go all the way, Wenger identified Spain as the only nation he believes has the quality to derail their title ambitions.
The European champions remain among the strongest teams left in the competition and are set to face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
The confirmed quarter-final fixtures are:
- France vs Morocco
- Spain vs Belgium
- England vs Norway
- Argentina vs Switzerland
With the tournament entering its decisive stage, France remain the bookmakers’ favourites, but Wenger believes Spain possess the tactical quality and depth needed to challenge Deschamps’ side if the two nations eventually meet later in the competition.
