Laurent Blanc Identifies Top World Cup Favorites and Praises Messi and Mbappé

Laurent Blanc, the former French national team coach and defender, has weighed in on the upcoming World Cup, identifying a select group of nations he believes are among the favorites to lift the trophy. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Blanc acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of such a lengthy tournament, especially with an expanded field.

“In a World Cup, there isn’t one favorite,” Blanc stated. “Because in a competition that lasts 39 days, with 48 teams competing, it’s impossible to name just one favorite.”

However, he did offer his assessment of the leading contenders, placing France among the top four or five nations. He also anticipates a potential surprise team emerging, as is common in major tournaments.

Blanc’s Predicted Favorites

The former Inter Milan player highlighted several strong nations he expects to contend for the World Cup title. His list includes:

• Germany: Recognized for their consistent strength in international football.
• Spain: Noted for their current squad, particularly mentioning the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
• Argentina: As the reigning champions, their status demands respect.
• Brazil: Mentioned with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, suggesting potential renewed vigor.

Beyond these established powers, Blanc also pointed to Switzerland and Morocco as potential dark horses that could cause upsets.

Praise for Lionel Messi

The conversation then turned to the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi. Blanc expressed his astonishment at the Argentine superstar’s continued impact at nearly 39 years old.

“Incredible,” Blanc remarked when discussing Messi. “I played until I was almost 38, but for a defender, it’s easier: experience and positional sense help you. For him, who needs to score and requires speed, explosiveness, and dribbling… And to think he’s just turned 39… He’s truly a phenomenon.”

Blanc’s comments underscore the unique nature of Messi’s longevity and sustained elite performance, a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication.

Focus on Kylian Mbappé

Blanc also shared his perspective on Kylian Mbappé, describing the young French forward’s versatility and importance to the national team.

“He is a number 9, an 11, a 7, a midfielder… He is everything because he scores a lot of goals, and even Italian football fans know how important it is to have a player like Mbappé,” Blanc explained.

He emphasized the value France derives from having Mbappé in their squad and stressed the importance of optimal conditions for his performance.

“France is fortunate to be able to field him and enjoys him. Of course, he needs to be put in the conditions to perform at his best, and I believe the national team, Real Madrid, and PSG have done that over the years. The numbers are there for everyone to see.”

Blanc’s insights provide a valuable overview of the potential landscape of the upcoming World Cup, acknowledging both established powerhouses and the enduring magic of football’s greatest talents.

Key facts

Blanc’s analysis offers a seasoned perspective on the global showpiece, providing fans with a benchmark for expectations and highlighting the individual brilliance that often defines such tournaments.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb (https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/mondiali-2026/blanc-francia-4-5-favorite-messi-incredibile-mbappe-messo-giuste-condizioni-2247645)