Former Arsenal manager and current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger has tipped Kylian Mbappé’s France to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, while identifying Spain as the only team capable of preventing Les Bleus from lifting the trophy.
With the tournament entering the quarterfinal stage, France are preparing to face Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal, where the French ended the African nation’s historic run. Meanwhile, Spain will take on Belgium, whose star-studded squad includes Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois.
Wenger Sees France as the Team to Beat
Having closely followed the tournament, Wenger believes France have looked the strongest side despite a hard-fought 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. According to the veteran coach, the combination of pace, power and momentum has made the two-time world champions the standout contenders.
Speaking on the Felix and Toni Kroos Podcast, as quoted by Goal.com, Wenger expressed confidence that France are on course for a third World Cup triumph.
“France will win the World Cup. I know you are going to say it is because I am French. 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.”
Wenger believes France’s athleticism and attacking speed have given them an edge over every other team remaining in the competition.
Spain the Only Real Threat, Says Wenger
While several European heavyweights remain in contention, Wenger believes only Luis de la Fuente’s Spain possess the technical quality and tactical cohesion required to challenge France.
The former Arsenal boss praised Spain’s collective style of play, describing it as unmatched in world football.
“For me, the real question mark is Spain. If any team is capable of beating France right now, I would say it is 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. So it is between those two in my opinion. After that, of course, France is stronger physically.”
According to Wenger, Spain’s superior passing game and tactical discipline could neutralise France’s physical dominance if the two nations meet later in the tournament.
France and Spain Eye Semifinal Berths
France will be aiming to continue their impressive World Cup campaign when they face Morocco in the quarterfinals. The match offers Morocco an opportunity to avenge their heartbreaking semifinal defeat from the 2022 tournament.
Spain, meanwhile, face a stern test against Belgium, who boast an experienced squad led by Lukaku, De Bruyne and Courtois.
If both favourites progress, the prospect of a France-Spain showdown could set up one of the most anticipated clashes of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
With Mbappé leading one of the tournament’s most explosive attacks and Spain continuing to impress with their possession-based football, Wenger believes the eventual champion is likely to emerge from those two European powerhouses.