​Arsene Wenger has outlined his predicted World Cup contenders and believes France are the team to beat if everything goes to plan. According to him, France have been the standout nation of the tournament so far, with Kylian Mbappe and the rest of their attacking lineup proving nearly unstoppable. Their performances have elevated them into one of the strongest sides in the competition, and at the back, William Saliba has been a rock for the team. The defender has delivered consistently solid displays, establishing himself as one of the most dependable players in the tournament. Saliba’s form has been exceptional, and it’s easy to see why many feel he deserves to be lifting the trophy as well.
While Wenger is confident in France’s chances, he also believes there is one country that could derail the French dream. That country, featuring Arsenal stars, means the Gunners could still have a World Cup winner in their squad this summer regardless of the outcome. Wenger argues that the tournament could hinge on the relative quality and strengths of the teams involved. The former Arsenal manager sees a real threat from Spain, even as he remains bullish about France’s status as favourites. He spoke to The Metro, explaining his reasoning for what could decide the championship.
“The real question for me is Spain. If there is one team capable of beating France, it is Spain because their technical level is better than France’s. They possess quality and a culture of collective football that is unmatched by anyone else at that level. That could be the decider between the two, but of course France is stronger physically,” Wenger said.
He acknowledges France’s physical edge, while also recognizing the technical prowess and collective style that Spain could bring to a major match. His remarks highlight a potential clash between two gifted nations, with France and Spain both among the sides he believes could lift the World Cup.
In sum, Wenger’s World Cup forecast centers on France as the frontrunners, but Spain pose the biggest challenge that could prevent them from lifting the trophy. His assessment reflects a balance between physical strength and technical sophistication, underscoring the idea that the outcome may come down to a head-to-head battle between two of football’s most formidable nations.