Thierry Henry has pointed out two challengers who he believes can shock the world and emerge victorious from the World Cup in 2026 – in addition to his favorites.
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The 48 nations participating in the competition all have ambitions to lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
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Argentina will be looking to defend their title, while France, Spain, England and Brazil are among the teams that have the quality to go all the way.
Thierry Henry names his World Cup favourites
Arsenal legend Henry knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup. He himself was part of the French team that became world champions for the first time in 1998.
Didier Deschamps leads France into a major tournament for the last time this summer. The 57-year-old has put together a very strong squad as Les Bleus aim for their third World Cup. Henry thinks they are the favorites. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, he said:
“I see France as the biggest challenger – partly because I’m French, but also because we’ve reached the last two finals.
When asked to name France’s greatest strength, Henry replied:
– On the bench. It sounds simple, but squad depth is crucial. If your substitutes are at the same level as the starting eleven, that’s a huge advantage – especially in such a long tournament after an intense season.
Thierry mentions Senegal and Norway’s chances
Henry also mentioned other nations he believes are “promising candidates” to win the championship, when he spoke to GMS.
“Spain, Argentina, Portugal and England are also promising candidates. Surprises like Norway or Senegal are possible.
“As for Germany, I’m waiting for them to find their best form again. Germany has qualified, and that is the most important thing. Sometimes you can even play better with less pressure. In any case, I wish Julian Nagelsmann and his team all the best – unless they play France.
France, Senegal and Norway have all been drawn in the same very tough group. Despite this, Henry believes that all three teams can win the competition.
He added:
“Senegal has always been a country of special players, they just couldn’t cross the finish line by winning an AFCON title. They have done so since, and since the team from 2002, they have never looked back.
“It’s a dangerous team for France. You can go back to Argentina against Cameroon in 1990 and see that if you’re not ready from the start, it’s dangerous. You also have to understand that Senegal plays against us differently, because of the colonial era and what has happened historically. Beating France is huge for them. Norway is also in our group, and those are the two teams I have told everyone to watch out for.
“It’s good for France to start like this, because you have to be ready from the start. There will be no easy matches, and you are playing against two outstanding teams.
Senegal has never made it past the quarter-finals of a World Cup. Norway’s best finish in the championship came in 1998, when they reached the round of eight.
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