Arsene Wenger picks the one team that could stop France from winning the World Cup

Arsene Wenger picks the one team that could stop France from winning the World Cup

Arsene Wenger has shared his thoughts on who might be able to stop France from winning the World Cup.

France came into the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as clear favorites. Their amazing performances have only made people believe more that they could win their third World Cup on July 19. Led by Kylian Mbappe’s incredible skills, France has only let in two goals in their first five games. Mbappe’s penalty against Paraguay helped them make it into the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco on Thursday.

This will be a repeat of the 2022 semi-final. If France wins, they’ll make it to the last four for the third time in a row and could play against either Spain or Belgium next. Wenger thinks France is the best team right now and will probably win the World Cup. But if anyone can stop them, he believes Spain has the best chance.

“France will win the World Cup,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “You might think I’m just saying that because I’m French, but when you look at the tournament, you have to keep up with the fast pace and intensity. Many Asian teams have been knocked out because they couldn’t handle it or match the technical skill.”

Wenger said Spain, who might meet France in the semis, have “quality” that no other team has. “Spain is the real challenge for France,” he said. “Their technical skills are even better than France’s. They have a style of team play that is unique and could make the difference. Still, France is stronger physically.”

If Spain and France do face off, the winner is expected to go far, but former player Gary Neville thinks another team could surprise everyone.

On the other side of the tournament, England will play Norway in the quarter-finals after a thrilling win against Mexico. Argentina made an amazing comeback against Egypt, with Lionel Messi leading the way. After winning the 2022 final against France, Argentina could make history by winning back-to-back World Cups.

Neville said Argentina might be the only team with the right mindset to stop France. “Because of their toughness, experience, and unity, Argentina is the only team I see that could stand up to France,” he told ITV Sport. Still, Argentina will need to improve their defense to have a real shot at the trophy, having conceded goals against both Cape Verde and Egypt.