France's New Musketeers Dominate World Cup 2026, Spark Debate Over Greatest Team Ever
France's national football team is captivating fans worldwide during the 2026 World Cup, led by a dynamic attacking trio dubbed the "new musketeers": Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Their recent commanding victory over Sweden in New Jersey showcased Mbappé scoring twice, Olise assisting twice, and Dembélé adding another assist, igniting discussions about whether this squad is the best French team ever.
This generation is compared to legendary French teams of the past, including Michel Platini's 1984 Euro-winning squad and the 1998 World Cup champions featuring Zinedine Zidane. Coach Didier Deschamps, once known for a pragmatic style, now embraces a more fluid, attacking approach, entrusting the offensive freedom to Mbappé, Olise, and Dembélé while maintaining defensive stability. The team also boasts depth, with players like Bradley Barcola contributing off the bench without diminishing quality.
Despite the excitement, some experts urge caution. Reuters journalist Julien Partou notes the team has yet to face the tournament's strongest opponents and still shows occasional lapses in concentration. Deschamps himself highlights the need to wait before declaring this the greatest French team, referencing the balance and achievements of the 1998 and 2018 squads. Meanwhile, French-Cameroonian journalist Richard Neha praises the attacking trio as the best France has ever had, though he acknowledges the 1998 team’s superior balance.
The team's style is described as joyful and artistic, with continuous movement and positional exchanges that confuse opponents. Deschamps’ leadership has evolved into a partnership with his players, especially Mbappé, fostering trust rather than strict control. A poignant moment came when Mbappé celebrated a goal by embracing Deschamps, who had recently returned to the tournament after his mother's funeral.
Looking ahead, France faces Paraguay, a team that recently stunned Germany, in their next World Cup match. The French squad, flying high and unbeaten in scoring at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup games including the 2022 final, appears poised for further success as the tournament progresses.
