Former Nigeria coach Johannes Bonfrere has predicted that the individual brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and other top stars will propel France to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports.
Speaking on Sunday from his country home in the Netherlands, the Dutch tactician insisted that Les Bleus’ greatest strength in the ongoing Mundial lies in the exceptional individual quality of their players.
Bonfrere Hails France’s Individual Players’ Brilliance At World Cup 2026
“I’ve been watching the World Cup 2026 matches on my television. Last night (Saturday), I watched the France-Paraguay game. The referee didn’t do well in the match, but I think France’s strength lies more in the individual qualities of their players, especially Dembele and Mbappe,” Bonfrere said.
“And I think this is good for them and, with other good players in the team, yes, they will be difficult for other teams to play against.
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“It is possible, yes, that France will meet Spain or Argentina in the final. It will be a very good final. Spain have team unity, and Argentina too. So it will be a strong final, but I think Dembele and Mbappe will prove difficult to contain.”
Bonfrere Reflects On Super Eagles’ Golden Generation
The 76-year-old Bonfrere, who criticised the standard of refereeing at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, was asked whether he had a Super Eagles squad blessed with similar individual qualities during his tenure as Nigeria coach.
“Nigeria had plenty of talent. We built a team that was collective and cohesive in its play. The players fought for every ball and fought for one another. Yes, they had individual skills, but they played together,” Bonfrere responded, recalling the Super Eagles’ memorable achievements during his time.
“That was how we won the 1996 Olympic men’s football gold medal and the silver medal at the 2000 AFCON. It was a fantastic period.”
World Cup 2026: Africa Must Look To Morocco And Egypt
Morocco and Egypt are the only two of Africa’s 10 representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to have progressed to the Round of 16.
Bonfrere believes both teams have performed well but insists they are capable of achieving even more.
“Morocco finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup. Now they are in the Round of 16, together with Egypt. It’s good, but with the Super Eagles not at the World Cup, Africa can look up to Morocco.
“Morocco did well in the last tournament and they are expected to do even more. Egypt, with Mohamed Salah, are also a good side and can go further in the tournament.”
