Ibrahimovic: 'If want, France can win World Cup 2026'

US - Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic say three group wins show France top favorite for World Cup.

France beat Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0, Norway 4-1 to top Group I. Ibrahimovic say France squad complete. Title chance depend on runners-up, not rivals. "If want, France big chance win World Cup 2026," Ibrahimovic say. "Knockouts unpredictable, but squad depth incredible."

Dembele (left) celebrate with Mbappe in France win Norway, Group I World Cup 2026, Foxborough, US, June 26. Photo: AP

Round of 32, France face Sweden - Ibrahimovic home. Former Inter, AC Milan, PSG striker say France score because top strikers like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele. Dembele score hat-trick against Norway. "We see old Dembele again," Ibrahimovic add.

Advertisement

France top Group I, 9 points. France, Mexico (Group A) only teams with maximum points. France, Germany, Netherlands score most goals in group stage, 10 goals. Mbappe, Dembele score four goals each, second in top scorer race with Erling Haaland (Norway), Vinicius (Brazil). Lionel Messi lead with 5 goals.

Sweden third Group F, four points. Isak, teammates beat Tunisia 5-1, lose Netherlands 1-5, draw Japan 1-1.

Ibrahimovic worry about Sweden. Team more optimistic. Striker Alexander Isak admit France favorite, but excited for "interesting" challenge.

Assistant coach Sebastian Larsson say France not top favorite, believe in players. Midfielder Ken Sema say: "In football, anything can happen. France have superstars everywhere, but we face worse. Play well, we trouble anyone."

*Norway 1-4 France highlights.

Winner France - Sweden June 30 play Germany or Paraguay in Round of 16. Winner can play Netherlands or Morocco in quarterfinals.

France top favorite World Cup 2026, odds 15/4. Argentina 6/1, Spain 13/2, England 8/1, Portugal 11/1, Brazil 14/1, Netherlands 16/1, Germany 20/1.