Finalist in 2022, champion in 2018, and a start that only confirmed their favorite status. The France team began their 2026 World Cup with a controlled victory, a historic record for their captain, and a group that already seems half tamed. Here’s why so many observers place the Bleus among the top contenders for the final crown.
A controlled start against Senegal
On Tuesday, June 16, at the New York/New Jersey stadium, the France team confirmed their entry into the tournament against a Senegal side that was tough for an hour of play. Shaky and sometimes pushed back in the first half, the Bleus adjusted their aim after the break to win 3-1.
The scenario has a special flavor: the last time France and Senegal faced each other in the World Cup, in 2002, the Lions of Teranga created one of the biggest surprises in the tournament's history by beating the defending champion Bleus. Twenty-four years later, France erased that memory with authority, driven by a double offensive repositioning decided by Didier Deschamps at halftime.
Seven major tournaments, seven wins in the opening match. Under the leadership of Didier Deschamps, who is playing what could be his last major competition as head of the Bleus, this tradition of controlled starts has never been broken.
Mbappé, already in the history of this World Cup
The captain of the Bleus did not just score to help his team win. He made history in French football during the match.
Mbappé first opened the scoring with an uncontrolled strike after a pinpoint pass from Michael Olise, equaling Olivier Giroud's record at that moment. Senegal then equalized late in the match, before Mbappé sealed the victory with a stratospheric 25-meter shot in stoppage time, becoming at 27 years old the top scorer in the history of the Bleus.
A captain now record-holder, at the peak of his form, starting a tournament where he has never yet been crowned world champion himself despite his goal in the 2022 final. This is exactly the kind of extra motivation that makes this French team dangerous.
A squad that has already reached the final and holds the fort
Beyond Mbappé, the strength of this French team lies in its depth and collective experience in big matches.
2018 world champions, 2022 finalists. No other nation has played in two of the last three World Cup finals. This habit of maximum pressure is an asset few competing teams can claim.
Michael Olise established himself as the metronome of the offensive play against Senegal, delivering precise openings. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola provide bench depth that few teams can match behind their starters.
Dayot Upamecano delivered a solid performance against repeated Senegalese attacks in the first half. Mike Maignan, decisive on several interventions, confirms his status as the undisputed number one goalkeeper.
For what looks like his last dance leading Les Bleus, Didier Deschamps has all the ingredients to aim for a third star and conclude his journey in the best possible way.
Group I, a group of death already half tamed
Group I is widely considered one of the toughest in this 2026 World Cup: France, 2022 finalist, Senegal, a regular in the round of 16, Norway led by Erling Haaland, and Iraq, who qualified through the intercontinental playoffs with impressive recent form.
| Position | Team | Points | Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 3 pts | +3 |
| 2 | France | 3 pts | +2 |
| 3 | Senegal | 0 pt | -2 |
| 4 | Iraq | 0 pt | -3 |
Norway, who beat Iraq 4-1 on June 17, currently leads France on goal difference. But with two teams qualifying directly from each group, and eight best third-placed teams also advancing thanks to the new 48-team format, the margin for error remains real for everyone in this relentless group.
The real questions that could hold the Bleus back
Being the favorite doesn’t mean being infallible. Several points of concern remain real for this France team.
Against Senegal, the Bleus seemed hesitant and imprecise for 45 minutes, especially in the connection between Dembélé and Mbappé. Against opponents capable of punishing such hesitations, this adjustment period could be costly in the knockout stage.
Messi’s Argentina, European champions Spain, Brazil, and Germany all present strong cases to compete for the trophy. The favorite status is earned over time, not just in the opening match.
With Norway leading and Senegal capable of bouncing back against the Norwegians, France has no easy matches ahead in this group stage. The margin for error is slim until June 27.
So far, all the signs sent by this France team, the experience of major finals, the historic form of their captain, and the depth of their squad point in the same direction. The third star is yet to be earned, but the Bleus have the credentials to claim it.
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