Roy Keane has named France and Argentina as his two favourites to win the World Cup, confidently predicting both teams will meet in the final on July 19 in New Jersey. Speaking on ITV, the former Manchester United captain backed a repeat of the 2022 final in Qatar, dismissing England's chances despite their knockout campaign underway.
Keane's World Cup predictions
With the round of 32 underway, co-hosts Canada became the first side to reach the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Brazil edged past Japan thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's last-gasp winner, while Paraguay and Morocco both prevailed on penalties, eliminating Germany and the Netherlands respectively. England begin their knockout campaign on Wednesday against DR Congo in Atlanta, following a 2-0 win over Panama in their final group match.
But Keane does not expect to see the Three Lions in the final. 'The French attacking players are as good as any,' he said. 'But then we saw that with Brazil. We've seen it with England's main lads turning up against Panama. Probably France have got, obviously, more in numbers. But then again, listen, I think Argentina (do as well). I think Argentina and France are the teams that have the players and the good options. There'd be no surprise if they end up meeting in the final. I'd be surprised if they don't meet in the final.'
Postecoglou and Richards weigh in
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou concurred, noting that even in France, fans are not fully satisfied with their national team. 'No one is ever happy with their national team. There's always areas to improve. But I've been impressed, because the thing with France for me is, I look at their front five, six, any combination of that, are just absolutely world-class and elite,' he said.
Former England full-back Micah Richards also switched his allegiance to France, despite initially backing Spain. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: 'I said Spain would win the World Cup, but I'm telling you now, France. I don't know what it is about them, but when the tempo needs to be risen a little bit, their electric pace on the counterattack, I've not seen that at the tournament. I've seen teams play well, I've seen teams be organised, in the low-block. Argentina are playing for Messi, Morocco look strong, England looked really good against Croatia in that second, but a team that can turn it on – I've not seen a team like France. So I think they are now my favourites.'
Upcoming knockout matches
France face Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday in New York, with a last-16 clash against Paraguay likely awaiting them. Argentina, meanwhile, take on tournament debutants Cape Verde in their first knockout match. England's path could see them face France in the quarter-finals if both teams progress.
