Jermaine Jenas has made it clear where he stands in the race to stop France, saying Spain are the only side he believes can halt the tournament favourites. For a France manager and a squad being described as the clear standout team so far, that is a strong endorsement of Les Bleus’ status.
France, the two-time winners, are being discussed as serious contenders to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, and Jenas thinks their form has already put them ahead of the field. But while he sees Spain as the lone challenger, he also accepts that France look like the more complete side.
Jenas: Spain are the only answer
Speaking to 10bet, the former England midfielder said: “France are scary, I know that. They’re very scary.”
He then explained why Spain remain the only team he would put forward as a genuine obstacle. “When it comes to stopping France, it’s tough because I look at Spain and they’re starting to kind of click into gear now,” Jenas said.
That view is notable because he did not hide his admiration for France. “I said Spain at the start, so I’m going to stick to Spain. Spain are still better going forward than they are defensively, whereas France does have the complete package, and are fully in flow,” he said.
In other words, Jenas is backing Spain on belief, not on certainty. France, in his eyes, are still the more rounded team.
Why France still look like the benchmark
Jenas’ comments reflect the wider feeling around the competition: France have been the clear standout team to date. They have looked controlled, dangerous and efficient, with the kind of balance that usually defines champions.
That is why his final line matters so much. “I’m going to stick with Spain because that’s what I said. But I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed watching France play,” he added.
It is a careful verdict. Spain may be the pick, but France are the team earning the strongest respect.
Desailly backs France to go all the way
Jenas is not alone in seeing France as the team to beat. Marcel Desailly, who was part of the French side that won the competition in 1998, has also backed Les Bleus strongly.
He said: “The impression that we have now, it’s a big yes.”
Desailly also pointed to the mood around other contenders, saying: “Who is going to stop France? The impression that England have given the fans watching is underwhelming.”
And he went even further with his judgement on the tournament picture. “France have been the ‘wow’ team at the tournament so far – they’ve looked much better than the rest,” he said.
His final verdict left little room for doubt: “If there are no injuries, France is going to win the World Cup. I have no doubt about it.”
France face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday night, while Spain meet Belgium on Friday. With those matches now in view, the next stage of the tournament will show whether Jenas’ belief in Spain is justified, or whether France continue to look like the side no one can catch.
