As anticipation builds ahead of Friday’s official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has shared his early predictions on which teams stand the best chance of lifting the world’s most prestigious football trophy. According to the French football icon, two nations stand tall above the rest: England and France.
Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, is widely respected for his tactical intellect, analytical depth, and ability to identify long-term football trends. His latest assessment has added an extra layer of excitement to the global conversation surrounding the upcoming tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Wenger’s view, England’s Three Lions have developed the consistency and quality needed to finally break their decades-long major tournament drought. Yet, despite their progress, he believes France—winners in 1998 and 2018—remain the team to beat, labelling them “super favourites” due to their unrivalled attacking depth.
England’s Golden Opportunity
Wenger noted that England have taken significant strides under manager Gareth Southgate, consistently reaching the latter stages of major competitions. The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, finished as runners-up at Euro 2020, and reached the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022. These achievements, according to Wenger, point to a nation on the brink of greatness.
“England are one of the favourites of the World Cup,” Wenger said in an interview reportedly picked up by Goal. “They are always nearly there. And they have to make the step. They have the quality to win.”
The former Arsenal boss highlighted England’s rich pool of young and experienced talent as one of the key reasons for his confidence. The rise of players such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden has given the squad a dynamic edge that blends creativity, athleticism, and technical excellence.
Furthermore, Wenger emphasised that the team’s mentality has evolved. England, once haunted by penalty heartbreaks and missed opportunities, now approach tournaments with a strong sense of belief. Their improved tournament experience is expected to play a vital role in the North American edition of the World Cup.
France: The Team to Beat
While England possess the qualities of potential champions, Wenger placed France clearly ahead of all competitors—describing them as “super favourites.” For him, the scale of France’s attacking options is unmatched by any other nation heading into 2026.
“Trying to be as objective as possible, I think France are the super favourites,” Wenger stated. “Just for one reason—they have more world-class strikers than any other country.”
France’s current generation is widely regarded as one of the most talented in football history. Even after reaching the 2018 World Cup final and winning it, then finishing as runners-up in 2022, the squad remains stacked with elite players. The likes of Kylian Mbappé, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, Antoine Griezmann, and many emerging prospects continue to keep Les Bleus at the pinnacle of global football.
The depth in attack is particularly staggering. While many nations struggle to find a reliable goal scorer, France boast multiple players performing at the highest level in Europe’s top leagues. Wenger believes this attacking strength gives them a decisive advantage—especially in a tournament where depth and consistency are fundamental to success.
A Tournament of High Expectations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first ever to feature 48 teams, increasing the level of competition and expanding global participation. This historic edition is expected to be one of the most watched and widely followed sporting events in history, especially with the involvement of three host nations and iconic stadiums across North America.
With more games, more teams, and more tactical challenges, depth will play a major role—another factor that supports Wenger’s belief in France’s superiority.
However, England’s strong generation, combined with their recent consistent performances, ensures they remain serious contenders who could disrupt the expected narrative. If they can harness their momentum, address tactical shortcomings, and maintain composure in crucial moments, they may well fulfil Wenger’s prediction and finally secure their second World Cup title since 1966.
Wenger’s Influence and Reputation
Arsène Wenger’s opinions continue to hold weight in the global football community. After transforming Arsenal through innovative tactics, youth development, and modern training methods, he now plays a crucial role in shaping football’s global evolution. His insights are often measured, deeply analytical, and grounded in first-hand knowledge of international football structures.
His assessment ahead of the 2026 World Cup not only amplifies expectations for England and France but also sets the tone for global discussions as the football world awaits the official draw. Fans, pundits, and analysts will watch closely to see whether Wenger’s predictions align with how the groups unfold on Friday.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to 2026 continues, excitement is surging worldwide. The World Cup always promises unforgettable narratives—underdog stories, breakout talents, emotional victories, and heartbreaking eliminations. While Wenger has placed England and France at the top, football remains unpredictable. Powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands will also be eager to challenge.
But for now, Wenger’s perspective adds compelling insight: France’s world-class firepower and England’s golden opportunity place them firmly in the spotlight as the world prepares for another unforgettable tournament.
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