On the eve of France’s 2026 World Cup opener, manager Didier Deschamps delivered a measured yet striking verdict regarding the battle for the trophy: in his eyes, Spain enters the tournament as the team to beat, not his own.
Speaking from the MetLife Stadium press room ahead of Les Bleus’ Group I clash with Senegal, the 57-year-old tactician dismissed the favorite’s mantle for his side, even as France seeks to reach an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup final. When asked by a Spanish journalist about France’s status as a contender, Deschamps replied with a slight irony: “If the Spanish consider us favorites… If there is one favorite, it is Spain.”
“France has the legitimate ambition to win this title, but the path will be long and difficult,” Deschamps said. He pointed to the ongoing renewal within his squad as a tempering factor, noting the blend of elite talent and inexperience. “We have many players of great quality, but for many of them, this will be their first World Cup. I am not going to consider France as being stronger than anyone else,” Deschamps said, adding in Spanish: “The absolute favorite is Spain. I have no doubt about that.”
A Final Dance for a Legendary Manager
The 2026 tournament carries a weight of finality for the French camp. Deschamps, at the helm since 2012, has confirmed he will step down after the World Cup, ending a 14-year tenure that produced the 2018 world title and a runner-up finish in 2022. His potential successor, Zinedine Zidane, has reportedly held a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation for years, making this Deschamps’ “last dance” on the international stage.
The team is now led on the pitch by a new captain: Kylian Mbappé (27). Having succeeded the retired Hugo Lloris, the Real Madrid superstar has been fully endorsed by his coach. “He has taken over from Lloris very well. He’s a real leader. I am very pleased with what he can offer both on and off the field,” Deschamps said in a separate interview.
Formidable Spain and the Numbers Game
The data reinforces Deschamps’ reluctance to boast. According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain enters the tournament with a 16% chance of lifting the trophy, while France stands at 14%.
Under Luis de la Fuente, “La Roja” has been transformed into a direct, high-octane attacking unit, shedding its reputation for sterile possession. The numbers are staggering: Spain is on a 31-match unbeaten streak in official competitions, a run comprising 25 wins, dating back to a loss against Scotland in March 2023. During qualifying, De la Fuente’s side averaged a tournament-high 9.7 shots on target per 90 minutes. With victories in the 2023 Nations Cup and Euro 2024 already under their belt, they appear ready to claim their first world title since 2010.
A Renewed France and a Tough Opener
Despite admitting Spain’s superiority on paper, Deschamps’ France is no ordinary contender. The 26-man squad is a mix of golden generation core and fresh energy, headlined by the Paris Saint-Germain Champions League-winning trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué. It is also potentially Mbappé’s tournament to shine; he needs just one goal to match Just Fontaine’s French World Cup record of 13, and is close to his 100th international cap.
Deschamps, who won the 1998 World Cup as a player, remains fiercely focused on the immediate task—a Senegal team he holds in high regard. “Looking at what Senegal has achieved, they are a very high-level opponent. They are one of the best teams in Africa and in the world,” Deschamps cautioned.
With a rich history of finals appearances in the 21st century, Les Bleus understand the long road ahead. For now, Deschamps is content to deflect the expectations, firmly planting the favorite’s target on the backs of Spain.
