Is There Any Hope to Stop France at the 2026 World Cup?

France stamped their authority on the 2026 World Cup by becoming the first team to reach the semi-finals. Their 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday was more straightforward than many expected. The African side, seen as a formidable opponent, couldn’t match the 2018 champions’ pace and precision.

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele settled the contest decisively. Now, France stands out as the favourite to claim the trophy on July 19, boasting an attack that is both fierce and varied alongside a defence that rarely cracks.

France's Path So Far

Didier Deschamps’ squad looked comfortable throughout the group phase, overcoming Senegal, Iraq, and Norway with ease. In the round of 32, they dismantled Sweden, with Mbappe terrorizing their backline.

The big question on everyone’s lips is whether any side can halt France’s march toward the championship. While teams like Argentina, Spain, and England remain contenders, containing France’s firepower will be a daunting task.

Challenges Opponents Face

Defending against France isn’t just about stopping Mbappe. The combined threat of Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue adds layers of difficulty. Paraguay managed to frustrate France for over an hour in the round of 16, only to fall after Mbappe converted a penalty.

That Paraguayan performance relied heavily on disrupting the rhythm through aggressive tactics. Confidence will be high among the French as they prepare to face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.

Spain’s Defensive Resilience

Spain had a shaky start with a goalless draw against Cape Verde but tightened up dramatically afterward. They haven’t conceded a single goal in five games, making them favourites against Belgium on Friday.