France national team coach, Didier Deschamps, has identified his squad as one of seven teams capable of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, set to kick off in June next year, will see France drawn in Group I alongside Senegal and Norway. Deschamps’ side were runners-up in the previous edition in Qatar, losing to Argentina in the final.
Speaking to Olé, Deschamps emphasized the legendary status of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, stating: “They [Messi and Ronaldo] are two players who have marked international soccer for more than 15 years; without a doubt, it is something special for them.”
Reflecting on France’s ambitions, the veteran coach added: “There is no rematch in soccer. Argentina won [the 2022 World Cup] and there is nothing we can do about it now. This is a new competition and we are going to try to go as far as possible. France can be a contender. As in every World Cup, there are between six and seven teams that can win, but in the end, only one wins. To be the best, you have to beat all the teams.”
Deschamps’ remarks underscore France’s confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while also acknowledging the lasting impact of two of football’s greatest players.
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