This article belongs to the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. In anticipation of the tournament kicking off on June 11, is publishing previews from three countries each day.
Strategic Overview
“It can be frustrating to watch, but it secures victories,” summarizes France’s approach under Didier Deschamps, according to Antoine Griezmann during Euro 2024, where Les Bleus made it to the semi-finals. Goals proved elusive throughout the tournament, with Randal Kolo Muani being the only player to score from open play in their loss to Spain; the remaining three goals were either penalties or own goals.
Indeed, this was the most cautious rendition of the French team. Deschamps’s tactics appeared to be under scrutiny, but they showed a shift during their US tour in March, netting five goals across two matches against Brazil and Colombia. Deschamps expressed a desire for his squad to be “less predictable and readable,” but the pivotal question remains: would they sacrifice defensive strength for a more aggressive style? “At times, we’ve been a bit on the edge,” he remarked.
That reflects the internal tension in his strategy. The defense remains robust; only four European teams allowed fewer goals than Les Bleus during qualifying. However, an impressive range of attacking talent is now at Deschamps’s disposal, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.
Defender Lucas Hernandez claims that France boasts “the best attack in the world,” a statement that is hard to dispute given the caliber of players involved. The challenge for Deschamps is to create a cohesive unit, particularly since Olivier Giroud’s retirement from international play in 2024 has complicated matters. The balance seemed to settle during the March friendlies, yet whether this more expansive approach will be adopted remains uncertain.
Leadership at the Helm
Didier Deschamps has become synonymous with successful international coaching. His pragmatic and conservative methods have been imitated by others, notably Gareth Southgate during his tenure with England. Despite leading France to consecutive World Cup finals and a European Championship final in his 12 years, Deschamps’s methods have often faced criticism. He famously responded, “Watch something else, then,” to detractors. His achievements validate his steadfastness, and with plans to depart Les Bleus this summer, he is unlikely to alter his approach at this juncture. Having previously guided Monaco and Marseille to success, Deschamps is open to returning to club management.
Key Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappé is the standout star of this talented roster, having been the focal point since his explosive performance in the 2018 World Cup. He has transitioned from a dazzling winger to a formidable striker, now playing as a No. 9. France’s attacking strategy revolves around him, especially as he nears surpassing Giroud to become the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
Emerging Talent
Warren Zaïre-Emery, just 20 years old, has already faced significant highs and lows in his career. He made an impressive debut for France at 17, quickly earning a reputation as a prodigy. However, injuries and a dip in form saw him fall down the ranks at PSG and return to the France Under-21 team. Now, having made a remarkable comeback, he plays a crucial role in one of the world’s top club midfields and is eager to find a more significant position within Les Bleus. His versatility may even address Deschamps’s right-back dilemma, as demonstrated in his Champions League performance against Bayern Munich.
Unsung Contributor
Dayot Upamecano has significantly improved his reliability and composure over the past year. While William Saliba has garnered attention for his stellar performances with Arsenal and is gaining recognition with France, Upamecano’s contributions in the national team have been invaluable. The Bayern Munich center-back, now 27 and in his prime, started every World Cup qualifier except for a meaningless match against Azerbaijan, effectively keeping Ibrahima Konaté on the outskirts of the team.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations at the Matches
Pricing has posed a challenge for many French fans. Nevertheless, an estimated 1,000 supporters are anticipated at each match, with around 650 members of the Irrésistibles Francais (IF), the primary organized fan group of Les Bleus, expected to attend the opening against Senegal. The IF is known for creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stands, despite their chants being somewhat basic. Expect to hear “Allez Les Bleus” (“Go the Blues”), “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas Français” (“Those who don’t jump are not French,” which involves mass jumping), and La Marseillaise, the national anthem, played frequently throughout the matches.
US Relations and Political Context
There was a four-month interval between Donald Trump’s election and Emmanuel Macron’s victory in France in 2017, during which the two initially fostered a strong rapport. However, this relationship has since soured, particularly due to differing perspectives on the war in Ukraine and, more recently, the conflict in Iran. Trump has publicly criticized France for its hesitance to support the US regarding Iran, escalating tensions when he targeted Macron’s wife, Brigitte, saying, “[She] treats him extremely badly.” In response, Macron remarked that Trump’s comments were “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
