Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has named Spain as the team that will stop France from winning the 2026 World Cup, despite describing France as 'very scary' and the standout side of the tournament.
France's dominant run
Two-time winners and current World Cup favourites France face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday night. Didier Deschamps' side topped Group I with emphatic wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, scoring ten goals in the group stage. They continued their electric form in the Round of 16, beating Sweden 3-0, before Paraguay proved trickier but Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty sent the 2018 champions through.
Jenas backs Spain
Speaking to 10bet, Jenas said: 'France are scary, I know that. They're very scary. When it comes to stopping France, it's tough because I look at Spain and they're starting to kind of click into gear now. I said Spain at the start, so I'm going to stick to Spain. Spain are still better going forward than they are defensively, whereas France does have the complete package, and are fully in flow. I'm going to stick with Spain because that's what I said. But I have to say, I've really enjoyed watching France play.'
European champions Spain face Belgium in their quarter-final on Friday, and Jenas believes Luis de la Fuente's side will advance to win the tournament.
Desailly disagrees
Former France defender Marcel Desailly, who helped France win their first World Cup in 1998, is confident France will triumph. He told Sportscasting: 'The impression that we have now, it's a big yes. Who is going to stop France? The impression that England have given the fans watching is underwhelming. Germany were poor and have been eliminated. A massive under-performance. Brazil is growing. But today it is France who is showing great ability. France have been the “wow” team at the tournament so far – they've looked much better than the rest. Now, they will play Paraguay, and there is no fear at all. It will end up 3-0 or 4-0. The stats will completely explode and confidence will be at its peak. If there are no injuries, France is going to win the World Cup. I have no doubt about it.'
Other quarter-finals
England face Norway in the third World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, before World Cup holders Argentina take on Switzerland. The semi-finals could see a Spain-France clash if both teams win their ties.
