Yes, of course it does. Mathematically speaking, every one of the participating 32 teams in South Africa stands a chance at lifting the much-coveted trophy in soccer.
The real question is, does France stand a likely chance post-Zidane? Unfortunately for me, a France fan, the answer to that question is no.
History gives us a glimpse of why.
While some outfits like Germany win on team coherence, others require the presence of "the special one," to use a term made famous by Jose Mourinho.
France is one of those teams. Its greatest achievements seem always to have coincided with the presence of a top-three world class player on its roster -- a luxury it can no longer boast now that Zidane has retired.
France's notable World Cup performances came in 1958, 1982, 1986, 1998, and 2006. In Europe, it was 1984 and 2000, and in the Confederations Cup it was 2001 and 2003. In each and every one of those years, France had a mercurial legend on the team -- only three in total.
In 1958, it was Just Fontaine, the man who still holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, 13. Having thrashed Germany 6-2 in the quarter-finals, France was on track to win the tournament, but understandably bowed out to Pele's Brazil.
In 1986, France, under Michel Platini's leadership, took revenge against Brazil in the quarter finals, and ended up a respectable third. Two years before that, the supremely-skilled Platini had helped France win the Euro Nation's cup its first ever major trophy -- while two years prior, he had guided France to a fourth place World Cup finish in 1982.
Then came the greatest player ever to don the France jersey, the mesmerizing Zinedine Zidane. His career contributions would leave France with accolades, the likes of which it had never reached before.
Two headers from Zidane in the 1998 World Cup final at last entered France into the elite club of World Cup winners and Zidane into instant French sainthood.
In 2006, the last World Cup, Zidane single-handedly breathed life into an old, sluggish team, dancing the Samba with Brazil in the semi-finals and turning in a second place performance for France. (It could have been a first place performance had it not been for the now infamous Zidane head butt and send off against Italy in the dying moments of the final game.)
It was also mostly thanks to Zidane's magical footwork and inspirational leadership that France won the 2000 Euro Nation's Cup, and the 2001 and 2003 Confederations Cups.
Contrast that with France's recent track record sans Platini or Zidane.
In the two World Cups of 1990 and 1994, between Platini's retirement and Zidane reaching his prime, France did not even qualify for the finals in Italy and the USA respectively.
In 2002 in Japan/South Korea when Zidane could only make a substitute appearance in the last group game due to an injury, the then defending champions famously lost to Senegal in the tournament opener and could not even get past the first round.
Then in 2006, France's rebound coincided with Zidane's return: It's a universal fact that had it not been for Zidane's determination, France would never have gotten as far as it did.
But now with Zidane out again, France seems to be back to its struggling ways. It barely qualified for South Africa, and did so only thanks to a controversial Thierry Henry sneaky handball in a decisive moment against Ireland, infuriating Irish fans and making headlines around the world.
So is France on the wrong side of history in South Africa? Clearly so.
And yet, astute fans may argue that in football, history is not always right. They may point to the fact that before 1998, France had never won a World Cup. (But then again, history has shown that strong teams stand a good chance of winning the tournament at home.)
Sure, it could happen, but it takes a mercurial legend to reverse the curse of history. Which brings us back to square one -- France has none.
I will say this: If France ever proves me wrong, watch out for Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka to be the ones to do it.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.