Why France Is Favored to Win the 2026 World Cup

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 World Cup is now down to the final four teams: France, Spain, England, and Argentina, who will compete for the two spots in the final.

Among the four semifinalists, France is seen as the strongest candidate to win football's grandest tournament. Not only due to Les Bleus' abundance of star players, but also because of their consistently impressive performance from the group stage to the quarterfinals.

The team led by Didier Deschamps has shown balance across all areas of play: solid defense, a productive attacking line, and a squad depth that allows for player rotation without compromising the quality of play.

Up to the semifinals, France has won all six matches played. They have scored 16 goals, conceded only twice, and kept four clean sheets. "I am proud of the players. They have shown remarkable commitment and hard work for the team. This collective spirit is what brought us back to the semifinals," Deschamps said, as quoted by ESPN.

So, what makes France more favored compared to the other three semifinalists?

Solid Defense

France's main strength lies in the disciplined organization of their defense. Deschamps has maintained a team character that is difficult to penetrate without reducing their effectiveness in offense. According to The Athletic, France generally favors a 4-2-3-1 formation that can switch to a 4-3-3 depending on the match situation. This pattern allows for smoother transitions between defense and attack.

In the wing positions, Jules Kounde often maintains defensive depth, while Theo Hernandez is given the freedom to assist in attacks from the left side. This division of roles maintains the team's balance, making it less susceptible to losing shape when attacking.

This approach has proven to be effective. From six matches, Les Bleus have only conceded two goals and achieved four clean sheets, the best record among the four semifinalists.

Midfield as a Link

France's balanced play is also supported by a midfield capable of connecting defense and attack, with Adrien Rabiot as one of the key players. Besides the ability to unravel the opponent's attack, he plays a role in setting the tempo when France builds attacks from the back.

This role allows Les Bleus to transition quickly. After winning the ball, they are able to move it forward to the front line in just a few touches, giving the opponents little time to reorganize their defense. Their ability to control the rhythm of the game allows France to maintain dominance, even when facing teams that rely on ball possession.

Productive Front Line

In the forward line, France has many choices of players with different characteristics. Kylian Mbappe remains a mainstay due to his speed and finishing ability. However, Les Bleus does not rely on just one player.

Ousmane Dembélé brings creativity through his dribbling skills and creating space. Michael Olise acts as a playmaker, while Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola provide variations through off-the-ball movements and wing accelerations.

Their contributions are evident in the tournament statistics. Mbappe leads the list of top scorers with eight goals and three assists. Olise has recorded five assists, while Dembele has collected four goals and two assists. Doue and Barcola each contributed one goal and one assist. The distribution of contributions makes France's forward line unpredictable, as threats can come from various players.

Deschamps' Experience Factor

Another advantage for France is the coaching seat. Didier Deschamps is one of the most experienced coaches at the international level. He led France to win the 2018 World Cup and to the finals in 2022. Now, he's leading the team to the semifinals. 

This experience allows Deschamps to adjust tactical approaches according to the opponents' characteristics. France can play aggressively with high pressure or wait for the right moment to launch a counterattack.

What Sets France Apart?

Compared to the other three semifinalists, France's biggest advantage lies in the balance of their play.
Spain relies on ball possession dominance; England relies on individual quality and squad depth, while Argentina depends on players' creativity and experience in major matches.

France is able to combine solid defense with effective attacking. Les Bleus also have relatively evenly distributed squad depth in almost every line. Player substitutions do not significantly alter the playing style, so the team's intensity is maintained until the end of the match.

Experience at the highest level is also an added value. Most of France's players have experienced the World Cup and Champions League finals, while Deschamps has proven his ability to lead his country to win the world championship and return to the final.

However, being the favorite does not guarantee France a smooth path to the final. Spain remains dangerous with their collective play, England has many players capable of changing the course of the game, and Argentina is known for being tough in major matches.

If France can maintain defensive discipline and effectiveness in utilizing opportunities, they are considered to have the best chance among the four semifinalists to reach the final and claim the 2026 World Cup title.

Read: Which Clubs Have the Most Players in the 2026 World Cup Semifinals?

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