India, May 28 -- France have been the greatest footballing nation in the last three decades or so.

During this period, they have claimed two World Cups, one Euro, two World Cup runners-up finishes, and one Euro runners-up finish. No other team boasts that kind of achievement during the stated period -- holistically.

And once again, they go into the 2026 World Cup as red-hot favourites. They won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and lost the 2022 World Cup final to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a thrilling showdown. If France play another final, they will become the third team after Brazil and West Germany to feature in three straight World Cup finals.

Some of the finest players in international football at present are part of the French squad...