Giroud tips France and Spain as favorites, but backs African surprise at 2026 World Cup

Olivier Giroud places France and Spain at the top of his hierarchy for the 2026 World Cup, but France’s all-time leading goalscorer (57 goals) does not dismiss a surprise from the African continent. Questioned by the Daily Mail, the LOSC striker, now retired from international football, offered a nuanced analysis just weeks before the tournament kicks off.

“For me, the two strongest teams are France and Spain. But will they meet in the final or before? That’s the question,” he said. A classic assessment, followed by a bolder projection: “One of the African nations could be the surprise team. Maybe Ivory Coast, Senegal or Ghana. They can all be dangerous on their best days.”

No African team has ever won the World Cup. Morocco, however, showed the way by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, a historic first for the continent. Ivory Coast recently beat France in a friendly (2-1), a sign that the potential Giroud mentioned is not merely theoretical.

Patrick Vieira, also consulted by the British media, was more decisive. “The French are the team to beat. They will have the qualities needed to win this World Cup: individual talent, a great spirit. They are competitive and very strong physically,” said the former France captain, without naming any other contender.

The competition will open on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa. Argentina, world champions after their victory in the 2022 final against France, will also be competing.