Is France coach Deschamps talking nonsense by calling Spain the 'big favorite' for the 2026 World Cup?

French national team coach Didier Deschamps has labeled Spain as the "big favorite" for the 2026 World Cup, a statement widely perceived as a calculated move to deflect pressure from his own squad. The comment was made in response to a Spanish journalist's question, a situation the coach seemingly used to shift expectations onto the reigning European champions.

Deschamps, known for his pragmatic approach, stated, "The big favorite is Spain." He added that while France possesses high-level potential, evidenced by their recent World Cup performances (winning in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022), many of his players are new to the global stage. "I will not consider the French team stronger than the others," he insisted, aiming to temper public expectations and avoid any perception of arrogance within the team.

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the big favorite is Spain

However, the article suggests that neither Spain nor France can be definitively labeled as the sole favorite. Bookmakers and betting sites place both teams on a similar footing, significantly ahead of other contenders like England. With a potent offensive lineup including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, the vice-world champions are undeniably strong contenders, making Deschamps's attempt to position them as outsiders unconvincing.

The piece posits that Deschamps's strategy is a deliberate management tactic. By downplaying France's chances and highlighting Spain's, he aims to protect his group from external pressures and internal arrogance. This approach, a hallmark of his coaching style, allows him to maintain a level of modesty while fostering ambition within the team. The article concludes that while Deschamps's public statements may not reflect his private convictions, they serve as an effective tool for managing media scrutiny and team dynamics.

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I will not consider the French team stronger than the others