Ousmane Dembélé is the heartbeat of France’s World Cup charge as Les Bleus’ favouritism reaches new heights ahead of the tournament. The 27-year-old winger, already a key figure in Didier Deschamps’ squad, now faces the pressure of being the player who could decide whether France’s star-studded side turns hype into hardware. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Dembélé’s form, fitness, and tactical influence will dictate whether France’s dominance translates into another trophy.

Why is Dembélé the linchpin for France? France’s World Cup favouritism isn’t built on one player alone—but Dembélé’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments sets him apart. The 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina stung, but Dembélé’s return from injury and subsequent performances in the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 qualifiers have reignited talk of his match-winning potential. His pace, dribbling, and creativity make him the player most likely to break deadlocks when France need it most.

How has France’s favouritism grown? Bookmakers and pundits now list France as the tournament’s most likely winner, with odds tightening around 3/1. The squad’s depth—Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and William Saliba—is unmatched, but Dembélé’s role as the out-and-out playmaker gives France an extra dimension. His ability to unlock defences in tight spaces could be the difference between another final and a first World Cup since 2018.

What challenges does Dembélé face? Injury history remains a concern. Dembélé’s 2022 World Cup exit due to a muscle issue and his inconsistent form in the Premier League have raised questions about his reliability. But his recent performances for Barcelona—where he’s been a key creator—suggest he’s back to his best. The question now is whether he can replicate that form in a World Cup environment.

What’s next for Dembélé and France? With the World Cup qualifying campaign complete, France’s focus shifts to preparation. Dembélé will be central to that, as Deschamps balances squad rotation with ensuring his star players are match-sharp. If he can avoid setbacks and deliver in the knockout stages, France’s favouritism could become a reality—with Dembélé as the player who suspended time to secure the title.