Former France international Thierry Henry has identified an African side as one to watch at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, while also expressing hope that Kylian Mbappe returns to peak condition in time for the competition.
Speaking in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, Henry reflected on the prospects for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by three countries, describing it as a unique and highly anticipated event in the football calendar.
“My prediction for the World Cup? I’m really looking forward to it, even though I’ll be working for CBS in Britain. But the World Cup is always an exciting event; it takes place every four years, and that’s what makes it so unique and special. The Champions League is also exciting, but we watch it every year. I’m not saying winning the Champions League is easy, but you have a chance every year.”
A tournament of unpredictability
Henry emphasised that the expanded format and multi-country hosting would add to the tournament’s appeal, while also highlighting the unpredictable nature of World Cup football.
“Holding the tournament in three countries makes it more special. I hope it will be a great tournament. In the last edition in Qatar, we witnessed an amazing final with a result that we French people did not want, although the match was great and everyone except the French were happy with Messi’s victory.”
The former striker pointed to several traditional powers as leading contenders, including Argentina national football team, France national football team and Spain national football team.
“First and foremost, we must have all due respect for Argentina, the defending champions. They are still a strong team and they have Messi. Then there are us, France, who have a great team and we reached the last two finals. Then there is Spain. It amazes me that no matter what players they have, the team always plays in the same way, with the same attractive style, and it is very difficult to take the ball away from them.”
Respect for emerging challengers
Beyond the established favourites, Henry also identified a number of teams capable of making a significant impact, including Portugal national football team, England national football team, Brazil national football team, Norway national football team, Senegal national football team and Germany national football team.
His inclusion of Senegal among the teams to watch highlights growing recognition of African nations’ competitiveness on the global stage.
“The strange thing about the World Cup is that you play in it but you don’t prepare for it. Coaches don’t have enough time to train. Players arrive at the tournament burdened with minutes of play and various matches, under enormous pressure from all sides, and that’s why disappointments are sometimes so frequent.”
Henry also praised Portugal’s midfield depth, referencing players such as Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes, while noting the continued presence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a key figure.
Message for Mbappé
Turning to Mbappé, Henry acknowledged the forward’s recent struggles at Real Madrid but expressed confidence in his ability to respond on the international stage.
“This is something everyone will have to deal with. I just hope that Kylian returns in full fitness and readiness and delivers a distinguished performance for our country in the tournament, that’s all.”
High expectations for a global spectacle
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, Henry’s remarks underline both the strength of established teams and the potential for emerging nations to challenge the status quo.
With a wide range of contenders and the inherent unpredictability of the tournament, the competition is expected to deliver another compelling chapter in international football.
