World Cup: Only Argentina Has ‘Mentality’ To Stop France – Neville 

France continued their flawless campaign Tuesday night with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the last 32 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Kylian Mbappe netted twice to take his tournament tally to six goals, while Bradley Barcola added the third as Les Bleus dismantled their opponents with clinical precision.

The result extends France’s ominous run of form, having previously dispatched Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1) in the group phase. They now face Paraguay—who upset Germany on Monday—in the round of 16, though the South Americans enter as heavy underdogs against the world’s top-ranked outfit.

Neville, speaking to ITV, made clear that only Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina—winners of the 2022 World Cup and perfect through their group with three victories—possess the psychological tools to derail France’s ambitions.

“The only team I can see stopping France right now, because of the mentality, is Argentina,” Neville said. “Because of the nastiness and the horribleness and their experience. That’s the only team I’ve seen that’s got the unity right now that I think could stand in front of France.”

The former England international, who earned 85 caps for his country, acknowledged that other contenders such as England, Spain, and Portugal could still emerge as threats, but stressed that none have yet displayed the required level to trouble Deschamps’ machine.

“Look, something may emerge. England, Spain, Portugal—we may see a step up. Let’s hope so,” Neville added.

Argentina, who beat Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland in Group C to top the standings, will face Cape Verde in their last-32 tie as they seek to defend their global crown. A potential quarterfinal showdown with France looms if both teams continue to advance, setting up a rematch of the epic 2022 final, which Argentina won on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

France, have shown no signs of vulnerability. Mbappe’s six goals lead the tournament scoring charts, and Deschamps’ squad has outscored opponents 13-1 across four matches.

Neville’s assessment underscores the psychological edge he believes Argentina holds—a trait forged through their penalty-shootout triumph over France three years ago and their hardened, streetwise core of veterans including Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi.