This article is part of a collaborative effort among leading media organizations in the 48 countries that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is set to commence on June 11, with previews being published daily.
Team Strategy
Antoine Griezmann succinctly captured the essence of France’s playing style under Didier Deschamps, stating, “It is a pain to watch, but it makes you win,” This sentiment reflects the team’s pragmatic approach during Euro 2024, where they advanced to the semi-finals but struggled to find the net, with Randal Kolo Muani being the only player to score from open play in their match against Spain. The team’s other goals came from penalties and own goals.
The conservative nature of Deschamps’s tactics was evident, but during a recent tour of the United States, the team showcased a more dynamic attack, netting five goals in two friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. Deschamps expressed a desire for his squad to become “less predictable and readable” raising questions about whether their solid defense would give way to a more aggressive offense. “At times, we’ve been a bit on the limit,” he acknowledged.
Deschamps’s defensive strategy remains a stronghold, as only four European teams conceded fewer goals during the qualifying rounds. However, the coach now has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, featuring stars like captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or titleholder Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Defender Lucas Hernandez confidently claims that France possesses “the best attack in the world” but Deschamps faces the challenge of harmonizing these talents into a cohesive unit, especially following Olivier Giroud’s retirement in 2024.
Coaching Legacy
Didier Deschamps has set the standard for international coaching. His blend of conservatism and pragmatism has influenced other managers, notably Gareth Southgate of England. Despite leading France to consecutive World Cup finals and a Euro final over his 12-year tenure, Deschamps’s methods have faced criticism. In response to detractors, he quipped, “Watch something else, then,” His proven success validates his approach, and as he prepares to leave Les Bleus this summer, he is unlikely to alter his style. Deschamps has previously enjoyed success with Monaco and Marseille and is open to returning to club management.
Key Player
Kylian Mbappé remains the focal point of France’s lineup, having been pivotal to their World Cup triumph in 2018. His evolution from a dazzling winger to a prolific striker has seen the team built around him. As he approaches a milestone where he could surpass Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer, his influence on the pitch is undeniable.
Emerging Talent
At only 20 years old, Warren Zaïre-Emery has already encountered significant highs and lows in his young career. He made headlines by scoring on his debut at 17 but faced setbacks due to injuries and loss of form, leading to a demotion within PSG and the national team. Nevertheless, he has made a remarkable comeback and is now a vital part of one of the top club midfields globally. Zaïre-Emery aims for a more significant role with Les Bleus and has even shown potential as a solution to Deschamps’s right-back dilemma, as evidenced by his performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Defensive Backbone
Dayot Upamecano has significantly improved his consistency and composure in the past year. While William Saliba garners praise for his displays at Arsenal and rises in prominence for France, Upamecano is often the unsung hero in the national setup. The 27-year-old Bayern Munich defender started all but one of the World Cup qualifiers, reinforcing his status while keeping Ibrahima Konaté on the fringes.
Expected Lineup
Fan Expectations
Despite high ticket prices deterring some supporters, around 1,000 fans are anticipated to attend each match. Approximately 650 members from the Irrésistibles Francais (IF), the largest organized fan group for Les Bleus, are expected to be present for the opening game against Senegal. Known for their energetic presence, the IF will engage the crowd with simple yet effective chants such as “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas Français” (“Those who don’t jump are not French”) and “[She] treats him extremely badly,” (“neither elegant nor up to standard”), complemented by the national anthem, La Marseillaise.
Political Context
The relationship between the United States and France has seen ups and downs since Donald Trump’s election in 2016 and Emmanuel Macron’s in 2017. Initially cordial, tensions have surfaced due to differing views on the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Trump has openly criticized France’s hesitance to align with the U.S. on issues regarding Iran, making personal remarks about Macron’s wife, Brigitte. In response, Macron described Trump’s comments as “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
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