Thierry Henry has named two outsiders he thinks can shock the world and emerge victorious at the 2026 World Cup, as well as his top contenders.
This summer's tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, gets underway on June 11.
The 48 nations that are taking part in the competition will all have aspirations that they can lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Argentina will be looking to retain their title, while France, Spain, England and Brazil are among the sides that have the quality to go all the way.
Thierry Henry Names His World Cup Favourites
World Cup trophyMandel Ngan via Reuters
Arsenal legend Henry knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup. He was part of the France squad that was crowned world champions for the first time in 1998.
Didier Deschamps is taking France into a major tournament for the final time this summer. The 57-year-old has named a very strong squad as Les Bleus look to be crowned world champions for a third time. Henry thinks they are the favourites. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said:
"I see France as the top contender – partly because I’m French, but also because we’ve reached the last two finals."
When asked to name France’s best strength, Henry replied:
"On the bench. It sounds simple, but squad depth is crucial. If your substitutes are on par with the starting eleven, it’s a huge advantage, especially in such a long tournament after an intense season."
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Thierry Names Talks Up Senegal and Norway's Chances
Erling Haaland in action for NorwayInts Kalnins Via Reuters
Henry also named other nations that he thinks are 'promising candidates' to win the competition. He told Betway:
"Spain, Argentina, Portugal, and England are also promising candidates. Surprises like Norway or Senegal are possible.
"As for Germany, I’m waiting for them to rediscover their best form. Germany has qualified, and that’s the most important thing. Sometimes you can even play better with less pressure. In any case, I wish Julian Nagelsmann and his team all the best – unless they play against France."
France, Senegal and Norway have all been paired together in a very tough group. Despite this, Henry thinks all three sides can win the competition.
He added: "Senegal has always been a country with special players, they just couldn’t get over the line by winning an AFCON. It’s been done since, and since that 2002 team they’ve never looked back.
"It’s a dangerous game for France. You can go back to Argentina v Cameroon in 1990 to see that if you’re not ready from the start, it’s dangerous. You also have to understand that Senegal play us differently, because of the colonies and what has happened historically. Beating France is something massive for them. Norway is also in our group, and those are the two teams I’ve told everybody to watch out for.
"It’s good for France to start that way, because you have to be ready right from the start. There won’t be any easy games and you play against two outstanding teams."
Senegal have never been past the quarter-finals at a World Cup. Norway's best finish at the World Cup came in 1998 when they got to the round of 16.