France Legend Marcel Desailly Backs Les Bleus And African Nations Ahead Of World Cup
JOHANNESBURG — France legend Marcel Desailly believes Les Bleus are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup and expects several African nations, including Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast, to challenge expectations when the tournament begins in North America.
As a World Cup winner, former France captain and FIFA ambassador, Marcel Desailly understands the pressure of competing on football’s biggest stage. Drawing from his own experience, he believes France has the quality to succeed while urging African teams to maximise their potential.
France enters the tournament carrying the weight of expectation as one of the favorites, while African nations seek to prove they can compete consistently with football’s traditional powers. Success could elevate their global standing, while failure would raise fresh questions about their ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
France reached the 2022 World Cup final and remains one of the strongest teams in international football under Didier Deschamps. Meanwhile, African nations continue to push for a breakthrough World Cup campaign as the tournament expands to 48 teams.
A strong World Cup run would boost national pride, attract commercial opportunities, and strengthen the global profile of both France and African football. Fans, sponsors, and football authorities will be closely watching the results.
“Oh, Portugal. Yes. I want them to try and have a bite for Cristiano Ronaldo." – Marcel Desailly”
The focus now shifts to the World Cup, where France will attempt to justify their status as favorites while African nations look to make a deep run in the expanded 48-team tournament. The opening matches could set the tone for both campaigns and determine whether expectations are met or exceeded.