The French national team is fortunate to have Mbappe in their squad - Photo: REUTERS
In addition to commenting on the performances of Messi, Ronaldo , and Mbappe, Laurent Blanc assessed the teams at the 2026 World Cup after the first half of the tournament.
* More than half of the 2026 World Cup matches have already taken place. What are your impressions so far?
For me, there are no easy matches at the 2026 World Cup. For example, Cape Verde drew with Spain, Congo drew with Portugal, Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland, Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, and Ghana stopped England... It's safe to say that in this tournament, teams always have to play at their best and maintain maximum concentration.
This World Cup doesn't have a clear favorite to win. This is because in a tournament lasting 39 days with 48 teams, it's impossible to name just one team. Therefore, it can only be said that France is among the top 4-5 contenders. And I think there will be a few surprise names emerging.
* Please name a few specific ones...
Germany is very strong. Spain, with Yamal, is a different kind of team. Messi's Argentina is the reigning champion and deserves respect. Then there's Brazil under coach Ancelotti. Among the surprises, I would name Switzerland and Morocco.
At 39 years old, Messi has scored 5 goals in his first two matches. How would you rate him?
It's unbelievable! I played football until I was almost 38. But it's easier for a defender, because experience and positional awareness help a lot. However, for Messi, who has to score goals and needs speed, explosiveness, dribbling ability... It's hard to believe Messi is 39 years old. He truly is a phenomenon.
What about Cristiano Ronaldo?
I knew Ronaldo would come back. Even though he might not always be at his best or might miss a few goals, Ronaldo is still a great player.
* He managed PSG for three seasons but left in 2016, while Mbappe arrived in 2017. Does he regret not having coached him?
Of course. Mbappe is a world-class talent and any coach would want to work with him.
Coach Deschamps is using Mbappe as a central striker, just like at Real Madrid, and has received some criticism for it. Is Mbappe a true number 9 striker or...?
Mbappe is a number 9, a number 11, a number 7, a midfielder... He is everything because he scores so many goals. The French national team is lucky to have him in the squad. Of course, Mbappe needs to be placed in a position to show his best form. I believe Deschamps has done that over the years, because the numbers speak for themselves.
* Mbappe started the World Cup with 4 goals in 3 matches and is currently France's all-time leading scorer. What is your assessment of him?
When playing alongside great teammates, it becomes even easier to showcase your qualities. I have no doubt about Mbappe's performance. He will continue to break records.
* Will Mbappe perform best with Olise behind him?
Having Olise behind the strikers is a great advantage for any forward. Because Olise often makes long passes and creative plays. He's a player who helps you score many goals. But besides Olise, the French team also has Doue, Dembele, Barcola, and Cherki – young talents of the new generation.
Mbappe and coach Deschamps on their journey to winning the 2026 World Cup.
* Mbappe wants to dedicate the World Cup victory to coach Deschamps; what do you think about that?
I hope he succeeds in his quest to win the championship. As head coach of the French national team, Deschamps has achieved great things. He won the 2018 World Cup and almost repeated that feat in 2022. A success at this World Cup would perfectly conclude his career.
What does the French national team have that other teams don't?
It's the attack. No other team has an attack as complete and diverse as the French national team.
A brief profile of Laurent Blanc
Born on November 19, 1965, during his playing career he played as a central defender for many famous clubs such as Barcelona, Marseille, Inter Milan, Manchester United… He made over 600 appearances and scored 125 goals. For the French national team, he played 97 matches and scored 16 goals, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
After retiring from playing, he transitioned to coaching and managed Bordeaux and PSG, winning the French league title four times. He also coached the French national team from February 2010 to June 30, 2012, overseeing 31 matches and achieving 17 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mbappe-se-tiep-tiep-pha-vo-nhieu-ky-luc-100260627215622582.htm
