Are France beatable? - experts have their say

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: - experts have their sayImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kylian Mbappe is joint second in the Golden Boot race with seven goalsByAndy CryerBBC Sport senior journalistPublished39 minutes ago"France are one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup tournament I have ever seen. "Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright isn't the only one either who believes Didier Deschamps' men are the team to beat, with pundits, fans and bookmakers largely tipping France for the title. And who could blame them?

Five games played, five games won. Fourteen goals scored, two conceded. And just once have they not hit three or more in any of their World Cup matches.

The Details

With Kylian Mbappe scoring for fun, and the likes of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola forming a fearsome trio just behind, they will strike fear into every defence in the world. Not to mention having the quality of Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in reserve. So, with Thursday's quarter-final against Morocco (21:00 BST) looming, Sport journalists had their say on whether anyone can beat the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up.

United, free and brilliant - can anyone stop France masterclass? Published1 JulyProject Mbappe - the road to becoming France's record scorer Published16 June'France do give teams a chance'Ian Dennis, Radio 5 Live senior football reporterSpain are the team to beat and they're my favourites more than France. I've changed my mind having seen both teams.

Spain have a greater control, defensively limit sides to few chances and are still yet to concede. I saw all group games involving France but they don't possess the same level of control as Spain and do give teams a chance. Senegal should have been ahead at half-time and even an understrength Norway side created awkward moments in the first half in Boston.

What Experts Say

I think Morocco can give them problems but lying in wait should be Spain in the last four - a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final that Spain won 2-1. 'Teams will believe France can be beaten'Phil McNulty, Sport's chief football writerFrance have looked the most impressive team in the World Cup so far, with their array of attacking talent led by Mbappe, Olise and Dembele. They are, however, beatable and will run into serial winners and European champions Spain in the semi-final if they both come through their quarter-finals.

Good as France are, this would represent a huge test for Deschamps' team. Spain are on a remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and simply know how to get results, as they proved with their injury-time winner against Portugal in the last 16. And, if France do overcome Spain, they could potentially meet current World Cup holders Argentina or England in the final.

France are favourites to win the World Cup, but these sides would definitely believe they could be beaten – and let's not forget this tournament has already proved there are no foregone conclusions.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.