France's 2026 World Cup surge fuels debate over Deschamps' legacy and Mbappé's impact

France entered the 2026 World Cup semifinals as the tournament favorite, led by coach Didier Deschamps and star forward Kylian Mbappé. The team, which has already recorded six wins, 16 goals and only two goals conceded, faces Spain in a semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, United States. Analysts note that Mbappé has scored eight goals, accounting for half of France's tally, while Ousmane Dembélé and other young attackers contribute the remainder.

Media commentary compares the current squad to the legendary 1998 French side that won the World Cup under Aimé Jacquet. While the 1998 team relied on a balanced spread of talent, the 2026 side is built around the speed and finishing of Mbappé. Deschamps, once criticized for a pragmatic style, has shifted to a more attacking 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, giving opportunities to newcomers such as Michael Olise and Désiré Doué. The Guardian suggests that a World Cup victory could elevate Deschamps to become only the second coach in history to win two World Cups, after Vittorio Pozzo.

The ongoing debate in France asks whether this generation surpasses the 1998 champions, with many pointing to the team's dominant tournament run and the lack of knockout‑stage adversity compared with the 1998 squad’s dramatic victories. The outcome of the semifinal against Spain will shape not only France’s chance at a second title but also the historical assessment of Deschamps and Mbappé’s place in French football lore.