France, after losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina, are now coming into the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites. Their preparation has been notable, especially with matches against strong South American teams.
A few days ago, they defeated Brazil 2–1, and now they have gone on to beat Colombia 3–1, using a different starting eleven. This shows the depth and quality within the squad.
Softfootball believes that whoever takes over from Didier Deschamps must be ready to continue his legacy, as he has done an outstanding job with the France national team over the past 14 years, winning one World Cup and reaching two finals.
If Zinedine Zidane is to take over, he must be prepared for a different challenge. Managing France is not the same as managing Real Madrid, where he had players like Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo. With the national team, he will need to find the right balance and blend the squad effectively.
At the moment, players like Ekitike are building strong partnerships with Mbappé, and this could be crucial going into the World Cup. France look capable of winning all three group stage matches, as their consistency reflects the work Deschamps has done in building the team with strong chemistry and understanding.
Overall, France’s preparation and squad depth highlight why they remain one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup.
