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The head of physical training at Barito Putera, Nurholis Majid, who previously coached the Barito Putera U16 team in 2019, has predicted that France will win the 2026 World Cup and achieve a historic hat-trick of final appearances.

According to Nurholis, France will maintain their dominance and repeat their success from the past two tournaments by making it to yet another final.

Les Bleus are poised to become only the third national team, after Brazil and West Germany, to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

During this successful era, France have claimed two World Cup trophies, one European Championship, two World Cup runner-up finishes, and one runner-up finish at the Euros.

No other national team can boast such an all-round record during this period, underscoring France’s sustained excellence.

The former Papua PON coach added that France possess a well-balanced squad across all positions, making them a formidable force.

“Just look at the list of called-up players — they have quality in every department,” said Nurholis.

Nurholis not only expects France to lift the trophy but also has a few favourite players he believes will shine during the tournament.

“My favourite players are Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) and N’Golo Kante,” he shared.

He added that he has full confidence in Didier Deschamps’ tactical approach for the tournament.

With Kylian Mbappe’s attacking prowess and a squad built for high-intensity play, Nurholis believes France are well-prepared for another deep run.

Deschamps has been developing the French team for years, and their evolution has been far from linear.

Initially known for their cautious and disciplined style focused on transitions, Deschamps has gradually shaped a more flexible side that can defend deep, press aggressively, or dominate possession depending on the opponent.

The key, he explained, is adaptability without losing the team’s core identity — rooted in control, athleticism, and swift attacking transitions.

The tactical model most evident in the 2022 World Cup still provides a strong indication of what France may display in 2026.

Once again, heading into the 2026 World Cup, France are considered one of the top favourites to win the tournament.

They triumphed in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and narrowly lost the 2022 final to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a thrilling contest.

If France reach another final, they will join Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002) and West Germany (1982, 1986, 1990) as the only teams to have contested three consecutive World Cup finals.

Several of the world’s best footballers feature in France’s squad, which was announced earlier this month.

Kylian Mbappe needs no introduction. He scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final despite France falling short in the end.

Once again, Mbappe will be France’s biggest hope to secure a third World Cup title.

Ousmane Dembele is another key forward expected to cause problems for opposing defences.

Last season, Dembele netted 35 goals across all competitions and lifted the Champions League trophy with Paris Saint-Germain.

He could soon inspire PSG to another Champions League victory when they face Arsenal in the final.

Dembele also became only the second French player after Karim Benzema to win the Ballon d’Or this century.

He will now aim to make his mark on the World Cup, having yet to score in the tournament despite featuring in the last two editions.

Mbappe is expected to captain the side and is just two goals away from surpassing Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals for France.

Manager Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012, has built a resilient and well-organised unit capable of competing at the highest level.

He holds complete authority over the squad and is expected to lead Les Bleus to greater heights across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Among other key players, Mbappe’s Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise and PSG forward Desire Doue stand out.

Both are attacking talents, and together with Mbappe and Dembele, they form a fearsome quartet capable of dazzling any opponent.

In addition to Mbappe and Dembele, defenders Lucas Hernandez and midfielder N’Golo Kante remain from the 2018 World Cup-winning side.

France have been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal (Africa), Iraq (West Asia), and Norway (Europe). They will begin their campaign on June 16 against Senegal, followed by Iraq on June 22, and Norway on June 26.

Few teams in world football today seem capable of challenging Les Bleus on their current form.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Maghens Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).

(Banjarmasinpost.co.id)