Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 Live
France. I was at all their group matches and, for the first time since their 1998 title run, they’ve started with three wins. They’re not flawless yet, but with Didier Deschamps’ know-how and their growing momentum, a third straight World Cup final is firmly in play.
John Murray, BBC Radio 5 Live
It’s hard to argue against France being the standout side so far. But tournaments are decided at the end, not the beginning, and I still expect Spain to be close.
Phil McNulty, BBC Sport’s chief football writer
France. When Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele click, that attack is devastating — and Deschamps’ overall squad depth only strengthens the case. Others will challenge, but they look the most dangerous outfit in the tournament.
John Bennett, BBC World Service
After a ragged start against Senegal, France burst into gear when Michael Olise moved into the No 10 role. Their front four is terrifying (with Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola in the mix), Mbappe looks as happy as I’ve seen him at a major finals, William Saliba is among the tournament’s best defenders, and the underappreciated Adrien Rabiot knits it together — with real depth behind them. I watched them in New Jersey and Philadelphia, and I’d be shocked if they don’t reach the final.
Alex Howell, BBC Sport’s England reporter
France look like the team to stop. They boast the tournament’s best front three, and their bench strength lets them rotate as they go. Mbappe is already in stride and will be incredibly hard to contain now he’s up and running.
Liz Conway, BBC Sport journalist
I picked Spain at the start and I’m staying with them. They haven’t hit peak form yet and have much more to show, especially with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning from injury. Over a long tournament their momentum should grow. A potential semi-final with France would be a massive examination, but if they pass it, they can win the lot.
Gary Rose, BBC Sport journalist
Lionel Messi is rightly in the spotlight with six goals in three games at this World Cup, but it’s wrong to say Argentina are only about him.
This side — often a collection of brilliant individuals — now looks like brilliant individuals playing for each other, producing three wins, five scored and none conceded.
They’ve started at full tilt and will take some stopping.
Neil Johnston, BBC Sport journalist
I’ve watched both France and Brazil in the groups and, if I had to choose, I’d go with Les Bleus. They’ve started at pace, with Mbappe in imperious form and Olise tormenting defenders.