Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has backed France to emerge as world champions after being impressed by the performances of Kylian Mbappé and his teammates throughout the tournament.
Key Points:
- Arsène Wenger has tipped France to win this year's World Cup, citing their outstanding form and momentum.
- The former Arsenal boss insists his prediction is based on footballing quality rather than national loyalty.
- Wenger believes Spain are the only team capable of preventing Les Bleus from retaining their dominance.
- France face Morocco in the quarter-finals before a potential blockbuster showdown against Spain.
Wenger predicts World Cup glory for France
Didier Deschamps' side have looked dominant across their opening five matches and now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash against Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Boston. According to Wenger, France's combination of pace, power and confidence has created a level of momentum that few teams can match.
Wenger explains why Les Bleus are favourites
For Wenger, France's current level makes them the team everyone else must chase as the knockout rounds intensify. Speaking during an appearance on Felix and Toni Kroos' podcast, the 76-year-old stressed that his prediction was based purely on what he has seen on the pitch rather than patriotism.
"I know you're going to say it's because I'm French," Wenger said. "But when you analyse the tournament a bit, the train is moving at a certain speed today. And you have to be capable of getting on board that train."
Spain identified as France's biggest obstacle
While several European heavyweights remain in contention, Wenger believes only Spain have the tactical quality and collective understanding needed to challenge the defending champions. He dismissed the chances of England, while also suggesting that Morocco and Argentina may struggle to stop Les Bleus if France continue performing at their current level.
"For me, the real question mark is Spain," Wenger explained. "If any team is capable of beating France right now, I would say it's Spain. Because they have a better technical level than France. They have a quality of collective play, and a culture of collective play, that nobody else in the world has at the moment. Not at this level, anyway."
However, Wenger also pointed out that France possess the physical advantage, giving them another edge in what could become a fascinating battle between two footballing giants.
Morocco test awaits before potential Spain showdown
Before any dream meeting with Spain, France must first overcome a determined Morocco side eager to avenge its heartbreaking semi-final defeat at the 2022 World Cup. Should Les Bleus advance, the competition is expected to intensify further with a possible clash against Luis de la Fuente's exciting Spanish side, led by emerging stars Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.
With both nations producing some of the tournament's most convincing displays, consistency, physical resilience and squad depth could ultimately decide who lifts football's biggest prize. For now, Wenger believes France remain the team to beat—but he also knows that Spain could provide the ultimate test of their World Cup ambitions.
