Mbappé rewrites France, World Cup history books as...

France has demonstrated remarkable consistency in their recent performances, showcasing a record of 25 wins, 7 draws, and only 6 losses over the past four years. This impressive form highlights their ability to dominate matches and maintain a strong goal differential, indicating a side that is both defensively solid and offensively potent. Their recent trajectory suggests they are peaking at the right moment ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is critical for their aspirations of securing a third title.

Several tactical elements contribute to France's current success. The team's strengths include rapid counter-attacks, particularly through Kylian Mbappé, and a physically dominant midfield that can control the game's tempo. Their formation, primarily a 4-2-3-1, allows for structured build-up play, particularly through left-side overloads, while their pressing has evolved into a more coordinated and aggressive strategy since Euro 2024. However, vulnerabilities remain, such as a reliance on individual brilliance and susceptibility to high pressing, which opponents may exploit if not addressed.

The sustainability of France's current form hinges on their ability to adapt and mitigate vulnerabilities. While their recent results are impressive, the dependency on key players like Mbappé and the potential for slow transitions without him could pose challenges. The team's structured pressing and compact defensive shape are promising, but they must continue to refine these tactics to ensure they can handle diverse opponents. If they maintain their current trajectory and address these vulnerabilities, their form could remain strong throughout the tournament.

Looking ahead to their opening match against Senegal in Group I, France's tactical flexibility under manager Didier Deschamps will be crucial. The team's established strengths and recent tactical evolution should provide them with an advantage. However, they must remain vigilant against teams that can exploit their weaknesses, particularly those capable of executing a high press. As they prepare for the World Cup, the outcome of this match will set the tone for France's campaign and their ambitions of reclaiming the trophy.