After 72 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup group stage has whittled 48 teams down to 32 – and France have emerged as the team to beat. Didier Deschamps' side won all three group games for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 1998, prompting BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty to call them "the most dangerous team in the tournament".
"I've seen all of their group games and they've made it three wins from three," McNulty said. "They're still not perfect, so room to improve as they get stronger under a manager who has the experience to draw on, as Deschamps seeks a third successive World Cup final."
“France dominate World Cup group stage with three wins out of three for first time since 1998, as Messi scores six for Argentina.”
At the heart of France's dominance is a blistering attack. Kylian Mbappé, described by BBC Sport's Alex Howell as "the happiest I have ever seen him at a major tournament", spearheads a front four that Howell called "frightening". Alongside Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé have clicked after a slow start against Senegal, when Olise was moved into the number 10 position and the team exploded into life. William Saliba ranks among the tournament's best defenders, while Adrien Rabiot links play brilliantly. The depth of the squad means rotation is seamless, with Desire Doué and Bradley Barcola also available. Howell saw France live in New Jersey and Philadelphia and said he "would be stunned if they do not make it to the final".
But France are not alone. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in his sixth World Cup, have also swept through the group stage with three wins, five goals scored and none conceded. Messi has grabbed six goals in three games, though BBC Sport's reporters stressed that "it would be unfair to say Argentina are all about him and him alone." The team has transformed from "a collection of brilliant individuals" into "an array of brilliant individuals who are playing as a team."
Spain remain a threat despite an underwhelming start. One BBC reporter said: "We still haven't seen them hit top gear and we know they have far more potential to show, especially with key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams coming back from injury. This is a long tournament and their momentum will build. They could face France in the semi-final, which would be a huge test, but if they can come through that I think they can go all the way."
As the knockouts begin, France's strength in depth and ruthless attack make them the team to stop. But with Messi firing and Argentina playing as a unit, the path to the final is anything but clear.