Former Super Eagles coach Johannes Bonfrere believes France are on course for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and has tipped either Spain or defending champions Argentina to join them in the tournament’s showpiece event, Footynaija.com reports.
Bonfrere shared his thoughts after watching France edge Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, a result that secured Les Bleus’ place in the quarter-finals alongside Spain, who also progressed with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain in contention and will face Egypt in their own Round of 16 encounter as they bid to keep their title defense alive.
Related Post
Giving his assessment of the tournament so far, Bonfrere singled out France’s attacking duo of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele as the team’s biggest strengths, insisting their individual quality could prove decisive as the competition enters its final stages.
Mbappe has enjoyed a sensational tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with seven goals and two assists in five appearances, while Dembele has contributed four goals and two assists to help France emerge as one of the favourites for the title.
“I’ve been watching the World Cup 2026 matches on my television,” Bonfrere told Complete Sports.
“Last night (Saturday), I watched the France-Paraguay game. The referee didn’t do well in the match, but I think France’s strength lies more in the individual qualities of their players, especially Dembele and Mbappe.
“And I think this is good for them and, with other good players in the team, yes, they will be difficult for other teams to play against.”
Argentina and Spain also tagged as potential finalists
Bonfrere also identified Spain and Argentina as France’s strongest potential opponents in the race for the trophy, praising the collective quality of both nations while maintaining that Les Bleus possess the individual brilliance to edge the biggest contests.
“It is possible, yes, that France will meet Spain or Argentina in the final. It will be a very good final. Spain have team unity, and Argentina too. So it will be a strong final, but I think Dembele and Mbappe will prove difficult to contain.”
Spain have reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal at the tournament, making for another impressive campaign at a major tournament under Luis de la Fuente. Argentina, meanwhile, continue their quest to retain the World Cup crown and will look to book their place in the last eight when they take on Egypt in the Round of 16.
