This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 qualified nations. Previews from three countries will be featured daily leading up to the tournament’s start on June 11.
Team Strategy
Antoine Griezmann succinctly captured the essence of France’s football under Didier Deschamps, stating, “It is a pain to watch, but it makes you win,” During Euro 2024, Les Bleus reached the semi-finals, albeit with a struggle to find the back of the net. In their loss to Spain, Randal Kolo Muani was the sole player to score from open play, with the remainder of their goals coming from penalties or own goals.
While this conservative strategy characterized France’s recent performances, Deschamps appeared to loosen the reins during the U.S. tour in March, where his team netted five goals in two matches against Brazil and Colombia. The coach expressed a desire for his squad to become “less predictable and readable” raising the question of whether they could maintain their defensive strength while embracing a more attacking style. “At times, we’ve been a bit on the limit,” he acknowledged.
Defensively, France proved formidable, conceding fewer goals than all but four European nations during the qualifying rounds. Yet, they now boast a wealth of attacking talent, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Lucas Hernandez boldly claims they possess “the best attack in the world” and while the individual talent is undeniable, the challenge lies in blending these players into a cohesive unit, a task made trickier since Olivier Giroud’s retirement in 2024. The March friendlies hinted at a potential balance, but whether Deschamps will adopt a more expansive approach remains to be seen.
Coaching Style
Didier Deschamps has set the benchmark for international coaching with his pragmatic and conservative style, which has been mirrored by others, notably Gareth Southgate of England. His impressive record includes guiding France to consecutive World Cup finals and a European final during his 12-year tenure. Yet, his methods have faced criticism. In response, he quipped, “Watch something else, then,” His track record validates his approach, and with plans to step down from coaching Les Bleus this summer, he is unlikely to alter his tactics now. Previously successful with Monaco and Marseille, Deschamps is open to returning to club football.
Star Player
Kylian Mbappé continues to be the focal point of France’s squad, having led them to World Cup success in 2018. Transitioning from a dynamic winger to a leading goalscorer, Mbappé now plays as a No. 9, with the French attack designed around him. His imminent ascent to become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Giroud, underscores his significance.
Player to Watch
At just 20 years old, Warren Zaïre-Emery has already faced considerable challenges in his young career. He made his France debut at 17 and was heralded as a future star. However, injuries and a drop in form saw him relegated at PSG and to the France Under-21s. Recently, he has made a remarkable comeback and is now a vital part of one of the world’s top club midfields. He aims to carve out a more significant role with Les Bleus, potentially even addressing Deschamps’s right-back dilemma, as evidenced by his performance in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Key Defender
Dayot Upamecano has demonstrated increased consistency and composure over the past year. While William Saliba has gained acclaim for his performances at Arsenal and is rising in prominence for France, Upamecano’s contributions have been crucial to the national team. The Bayern Munich centre-back, now 27 and at the peak of his career, started all World Cup qualifiers except for a non-critical match against Azerbaijan, keeping Ibrahima Konaté on the outskirts of the squad.
Expected Starting Lineup
Fan Anticipation
High ticket prices have deterred many French fans from attending matches. Nevertheless, around 1,000 supporters are expected at each game, with approximately 650 members of Irrésistibles Francais (IF), the main organized fan group for Les Bleus, anticipated to attend the opening match against Senegal. Known for their vibrant presence, the IF will lead chants in the stands, albeit some may be simplistic. Expect to hear “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas Français” (“Those who don’t jump are not French”), “[She] treats him extremely badly,” (“neither elegant nor up to standard” accompanied by group jumping), and the national anthem, La Marseillaise, ringing through the stadiums.
US-France Relations
There were four months between Donald Trump’s initial election as president and Emmanuel Macron’s win in France in 2017, during which they initially enjoyed a strong rapport. However, this relationship has soured recently due to disagreements over issues like the war in Ukraine and, more recently, Iran. Trump has criticized France’s hesitance to support the US regarding Iran, and his remarks turned personal when he targeted Macron’s wife, Brigitte. “[She] treats him extremely badly,” Trump stated, referencing a video from the previous year showing Brigitte appearing to shove Emmanuel. Macron responded, labeling Trump’s comments as “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
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