The 2026 World Cup train has pulled into the semi-final station — the last stop before the final — with only 4 teams remaining out of the 48 that took part in this exceptional edition: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. One of these 4 sides must be crowned champion and claim the throne of world football.
Despite the strength of all four teams and their right to be at this decisive stage, the French squad stands apart from the other three in terms of readiness, intensity, and confidence, excelling both collectively and individually. France are the overwhelming favourites to win, by the consensus of all those following the tournament.
Statements
In recent days, international news agencies have circulated numerous statements from politicians and officials directed at the French national team and its players — racist statements carrying hate speech. Comments from Uruguay, Argentina, and Spain were among the harshest, and one football expert dismissed them as an attempt to distract the French team from concentrating on the World Cup, given that they are the side closest to the title. Between France's responses to these incidents and others' insistence on repeating them, the pitch alone will be the final arbiter in determining who lifts the 2026 World Cup.
Before the match
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's description of the French football team as a side