France Look Unstoppable at the World Cup — But These Are the Cracks Rivals Can Exploit

France have emerged as the overwhelming favorites at this World Cup, and the numbers speak for themselves. Five matches played, five victories secured. Fourteen goals scored, just two conceded. They have hit three or more goals in all but one of their outings, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge and Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola forming a devastating supporting cast.

With Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki waiting on the bench, Didier Deschamps' squad possesses depth that most nations can only dream of. Yet as Thursday's quarter-final against Morocco approaches, not everyone is convinced that the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up are invincible.

Spain Pose the Greatest Threat

Several BBC Sport journalists pointed to Spain as the team most capable of stopping France. Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter, went as far as changing his mind after watching both sides, now favoring Spain over France. His reasoning centers on control — Spain have conceded zero goals across all their matches and limit opponents to very few chances.

France, by contrast, have shown vulnerability. Senegal should have been ahead at half-time, and even an understrength Norway side created awkward moments during the first half in Boston. Dennis noted that France do not possess the same level of control as Spain and give teams opportunities.

Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer, echoed this assessment. He highlighted Spain's remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and their ability to find a way through, as demonstrated by their injury-time winner against Portugal in the last 16. Spain also beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final, and have won each of their last two meetings with Les Bleus.

Elizabeth Conway pointed to Spain's disciplined, well-structured system. While Lamine Yamal has yet to hit his best form as he returns from injury, the centre-back partnership of teenager Pau Cubarsi and veteran Aymeric Laporte has been outstanding. In midfield, Rodri and Pedri control possession and dictate tempo, while Spain's use of width creates space for Yamal to operate.

Could France's Attack-Minded Approach Backfire?

John Bennett of BBC World Service raised a tactical concern that could trouble France against elite opposition. The decision to switch Olise into the number 10 role has made France more dangerous going forward, but it raises questions about defensive balance. With such an attack-minded player operating ahead of a midfield two, France could potentially be overrun in the center of the pitch when they lose possession.

The key question is whether Olise will track back and do the consistent pressing required against teams that refuse to let France dominate the ball. Morocco may well target that area, and a potential semi-final against a Spain side that thrives on possession would put that setup under serious scrutiny.

England Believe They Can Win It All

Alex Howell, BBC Sport's England reporter, predicted a France-England final with the Three Lions emerging victorious. He pointed to England's midfield trio of Declan Rice, Elliot Andersen and Jude Bellingham as having the physical capacity to impose themselves on France's midfield.

Thomas Tuchel's side have already demonstrated resilience, overcoming a tough 3-2 win against Mexico in Mexico City. Howell acknowledged that beating France would require a performance full of grit, but believes England have what it takes to achieve what would be their greatest success in the game.

McNulty also noted that Argentina, the current World Cup holders, could await in the final, and that this tournament has already shown there are no foregone conclusions.

Morocco Should Not Be Underestimated

While France are clear favorites heading into the quarter-final, Gary Rose cautioned against dismissing Morocco. The Atlas Lions were World Cup semi-finalists just four years ago and have arguably improved since then. They have shown they can defend resolutely and frustrate opponents, and if they can do that against France, there is no reason they cannot advance — or even go all the way.

John Murray, BBC Radio 5 Live senior commentator, offered a historical perspective. France have been the most exciting and attractive team to watch, but he reminded readers that thrilling sides have frequently fallen short at World Cups. He cited Brazil 1982 as the classic example, along with Denmark's 1986 side, Jurgen Klinsmann's Germany in 2006, and Brazil's 2014 team on home soil.

Neil Johnston struck a more cautious tone, noting that France have already overcome significant obstacles — a two-hour storm delay in Philadelphia, the absence of Deschamps for one match as he returned home for his mother's funeral, and Paraguay's physical approach. The fear for rivals is that France still have more gears to find. Mbappe, Olise and Dembele have combined for 20 goal involvements, and Les Bleus have never trailed in any match. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have marshalled a defense that has conceded only twice — both times when France were already comfortably ahead.

France may look unstoppable, but history has shown that even the most thrilling teams can stumble when it matters most. Will Deschamps' men live up to their billing, or will Spain, England, Morocco or another contender find a way to halt the juggernaut? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation — who do you think will lift the trophy?

Source: BBC Sport