UMVA has learned that the 2026 World Cup is set to kick off with a bang, and one former champion is tipping France as the team to beat.
Thierry Henry, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has thrown his weight behind his country, citing their impressive recent form and deep squad as reasons why they should be considered top contenders. With a history of success, including a 2018 World Cup win and a 2022 final appearance, France's credentials are hard to ignore.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Henry's assessment is backed up by France's star-studded lineup, featuring talents like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. This level of depth and skill makes Didier Deschamps' side a formidable force in tournament football.
Henry also believes that several other major nations have what it takes to challenge France's dominance. He identifies Spain, Argentina, Portugal, and England as promising candidates, while also leaving the door open for surprise challengers like Norway and Senegal to make an impact.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Henry's faith in these underdog teams is not misplaced. Norway boasts elite firepower, while Senegal brings a potent mix of physicality, speed, and tournament experience that could cause problems for more favoured teams, especially in high-pressure knockout matches.
The World Cup is notoriously unpredictable, and Henry's warning that France's favourites' tag does not guarantee them a smooth ride is timely. As the tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on France to see if they can live up to Henry's expectations and justify their status as top contenders.
Other nations, including Argentina as defending champions, Spain with their young and gifted squad, and England with their strong lineup on paper, are also looking to make their mark. But with Henry's seal of approval, France is undoubtedly a team to watch.
