Why France has been the best team at the 2026 World Cup

France’s performances throughout the tournament, the authority it has shown in every match and the firepower of arguably the World Cup’s most dangerous attack have made Les Bleus the team to beat heading into their semifinal against Spain.

France on top at the World Cup

From the opening match until now, France has looked a step ahead of everyone else thanks to its finishing, physicality, and the quality and form of its star players. But with that comes pressure. Either Didier Deschamps’ side wins the World Cup or it will once again fall short of expectations, as it has in major tournaments since lifting the trophy in 2018.

France is the only team to have won all six matches in regulation time, brushing aside Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco. Along the way, the side has scored 16 goals, averaging 2.7 per game, while its dominance has only grown as the tournament has progressed.

What began with a somewhat shaky opening victory over Senegal a month ago has turned into commanding displays, culminating in the quarterfinal demolition of Morocco, which barely threatened Mike Maignan’s goal. The AC Milan goalkeeper has conceded just once all tournament, in that opening match, and has now kept five straight clean sheets.

Are France only a counterattacking team?

Contrary to its reputation, France has not relied solely on counterattacks. It has comfortably controlled games and leads the tournament in average possession at 64%, showing it can dominate the ball as well as punish opponents in transition.

The attacking talent is unmatched. Mbappé has scored eight goals, Ousmane Dembélé has five, Bradley Barcola has two and Désiré Doué has one. Mbappé, in particular, has been ruthless in front of goal. He is locked in a battle with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the tournament’s Golden Boot, while he and Messi are also chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Michael Olise deserves special mention. Although the Bayern Munich midfielder has yet to score, his more central role with France has turned him into the tournament’s leading playmaker. He has five assists, leaving him just one shy of the World Cup record of six, set by Pelé in 1970.

France has also climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings during the tournament, overtaking Argentina. Defensively, it remains as difficult to break down as ever, while its attack evokes comparisons with some of the greatest Brazil teams in history. Spain will have to find a way to neutralize one of the tournament’s most complete teams to reach the final.

France’s World Cup by the numbers

Goals scored: France leads the tournament with 16 goals, averaging 2.7 per game. Argentina is second with 14, pending its semifinal.

Goals conceded: Just one, against Senegal in the opening match. Maignan has since recorded five consecutive clean sheets.

Mbappé the finisher: The Real Madrid striker has eight goals and is battling Messi for both the Golden Boot and the World Cup’s all-time scoring crown.

Olise the creator: While he has yet to score, Olise has become France’s creative hub with five assists, just one away from matching Pelé’s tournament record.

Dembélé delivers: The Ballon d’Or winner has contributed five goals and two assists, meaning he has been directly involved in seven of France’s 16 goals. He scored a hat trick against Norway.

Dominant possession: France leads the tournament with an average of 64% possession, proving it can dictate games as well as counterattack.

Elite underlying numbers: France ranks among the tournament’s top three teams in expected goal differential, combining one of the best attacking xG totals with one of the stingiest defensive records.

Most shots: Deschamps’ side has attempted more shots than any other team, firing 110 efforts, including 47 on target, through six matches.

Perfect tournament: For the third straight World Cup, France will play every match. It reached the final in 2018 and 2022, and has guaranteed itself at least a third-place finish in 2026.

No. 1 in the FIFA rankings: France’s perfect record, combined with Argentina’s draw against Cape Verde, moved Les Bleus to the top of the FIFA rankings in July.

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