Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright has identified Argentina as the only team he believes can stop France from winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Wright's comments come after France booked their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Wednesday, July 1.
France Dominates Sweden in Round of 32
In the 45th minute, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal of the match, gliding into the penalty area before unleashing a ferocious drive that arrowed into the far corner. Eight minutes into the second half, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise slipped Bradley Barcola through for an emphatic finish from inside the penalty area. In the 74th minute, Mbappe completed his brace after another brilliant assist from Olise, sweeping home to make it six goals at World Cup 2026, according to FIFA. The France captain will have the chance to add to his haul when France face Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on July 4.
Wright Backs Argentina to Expose France
Speaking to UK Metro, the former England right-back explained that Argentina's "warrior nature" makes them the ideal opponent to disrupt France's rhythm. Wright said: "It's going to take something to beat France. It's going to take an Argentina because of the warrior nature of Argentina. Make it horrible for them. They look together because you can see if there was going to be [an internal implosion], it would be Mbappe and Dembele, but they look so tight." Wright added that Argentina can expose Les Bleus if they neutralize Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, noting that both players initiate attacks that result in goals.
Olise Praised as Key Player
The 62-year-old also praised Michael Olise as an exceptional player capable of changing the face of the game for the two-time World Cup winners. Wright noted that Didier Deschamps has immense faith in the Bayern Munich star, saying: "And Olise, you know when you see a player where the manager has obviously said, 'Whenever he wants it, give it to him', and wherever he goes you just see them going, 'Give it to him, give it to him', Mbappe just gives it to him. It's together; they know exactly what they want to do."
France's World Cup Prospects
France are aiming to win their third World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2018. According to a supercomputer analysis, France have a 76.08% chance of reaching the round of 16, a 52.08% probability of making the quarter-finals, and a 37.23% chance of reaching the semi-finals. Their rise has been aided by a convincing victory over Senegal and favorable knockout probabilities.
