:2026 World Cup: John Obi Mikel Tips Spain to Edge France and Reach Final

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has backed Spain to overcome France and book a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Fox Sports after Spain's quarter-final victory over Belgium, the former Chelsea midfielder said Luis de la Fuente's side possesses the tactical qualities needed to unsettle Didier Deschamps' France.

While acknowledging France's impressive record of reaching the last two World Cup finals, Obi Mikel believes Spain's ability to dominate possession could prove decisive.

“The two teams that a lot of people expect to go on and win this title. Obviously, France has been in the finals twice in a row. Kylian Mbappe looking to make it a hat-trick of finals,” Obi Mikel said.

He stressed that Spain's best route to victory would be to deny France control of the ball and limit the influence of attacking stars like Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise.

According to the former midfielder, controlling possession and allowing Rodri to dictate the tempo would give Spain a strong chance of progressing.

“If this Spain team can take that away from them, dominate the possession and if Rodri can dictate the game as he does, I think this Spanish team might have the opportunity to get to the final again,” he said.

Obi Mikel added that although many consider France the tournament favourites, Spain have the quality to end their run.

“We talked about France being the favourite. If any team is going to be able to trouble them, I think it could be this Spain team. I think this team might have the chance of beating this France team.”

The highly anticipated semi-final is expected to pit two of the tournament's strongest sides against each other, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.

Opinion:

John Obi Mikel's assessment reflects what many observers have seen throughout the tournament. France possess explosive attacking talent capable of deciding any match, but Spain's patient, possession-based style has consistently frustrated elite opponents. If Spain can control the midfield and limit France's opportunities in transition, they have every chance of reaching their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010. The contest promises to be one of the defining matches of the tournament.