Former French international Blaise Matuidi has expressed strong confidence in Les Bleus’ prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now aged 39, Matuidi certainly understands what it takes to conquer the world stage. He was a crucial part of the French squad that triumphed in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when France claimed their second world title with a commanding win over Croatia in the final.

Four years later, France narrowly missed out on back-to-back titles in Qatar, losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties after a thrilling encounter that will be remembered as one of the greatest finals in history.

Not since Brazil’s run from 1994 to 2002 has any nation appeared in three consecutive World Cup finals. France now have the chance to equal that remarkable achievement when the tournament heads to North America in 2026.

Matuidi participated in both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, even scoring in the former. While he did not get on the scoresheet during France’s victorious 2018 campaign, his partnership with Paul Pogba in midfield was instrumental to the team’s success.

“When I was in the national team, my favourite roommate was Paul Pogba because we spent many years together. Since 2013, we were always together in the national team,” Matuidi told FourFourTwo during a MatchWornShirt exhibition event in New York City.

“Even outside football, our families were close. My parents lived in the same city as his parents, so we spent a lot of time together off the pitch as well.”

Matuidi and Pogba’s bond extended beyond friendship — their chemistry was a key factor in France’s 2018 triumph. But can the current generation of Les Bleus surpass those world champions?

“I hope France can go all the way again. They need to take it step by step, match by match. But they have the talent and the quality,” Matuidi said.

“There are so many talented players, especially in attack. Even defensively, when you look at Dayot Upamecano — he’s a monster.”

Matuidi also singled out one player who has particularly impressed him recently. “If I have to choose one, I’d say Michael Olise. Right now, he’s performing brilliantly. He knows exactly what to do with and without the ball — he’s the kind of player who can change a game in a minute.”

In a squad already featuring the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Desire Doue, such high praise from a World Cup winner carries serious weight.

“The most incredible thing I experienced was when we landed in Paris after winning the World Cup. People were everywhere — on bridges, hanging from windows, waving flags. It didn’t matter who they were; everyone was united. From the airport to the Champs-Elysees, it was an unforgettable sight,” Matuidi recalled. “That atmosphere, that moment, will stay in my memory forever.”