This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media organizations from the 48 qualified nations. Daily previews are being published ahead of the tournament that kicks off on June 11.
Strategic Approach
Antoine Griezmann aptly summarized France’s style under Didier Deschamps, noting, “It is a pain to watch, but it makes you win,” This sentiment emerged during Euro 2024, where Les Bleus made it to the semi-finals but struggled to score. In the loss to Spain, Randal Kolo Muani was the sole player to net a goal from open play, while the other three goals came from penalties or own goals.
This conservative approach characterized France’s performance, pushing the limits of Deschamps’s strategy. However, during a tour in the US in March, the team displayed a more offensive side, scoring five goals in two matches against Brazil and Colombia. Deschamps expressed a desire for his team to become “less predictable and readable” raising questions about whether their defensive strength might diminish in favor of a more aggressive attack. “At times, we’ve been a bit on the limit,” he acknowledged.
The defense has proven to be resilient, with only four European nations conceding fewer goals than France during qualifying. Yet, the squad is now brimming with attacking talent, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Lucas Hernandez claims that France possesses “the best attack in the world” a statement hard to dispute when analyzing their individual talents. The challenge lies in effectively integrating these players into a cohesive unit, especially after Olivier Giroud’s retirement in 2024. March friendlies showed promise in achieving this balance, but whether Deschamps will adopt a more expansive approach remains uncertain.
Coaching Legacy
Didier Deschamps has set a benchmark for international coaching. His pragmatic and conservative methods have influenced many, including Gareth Southgate during his tenure with England. Despite leading France to consecutive World Cup finals and a Euros final over his 12-year tenure, Deschamps has frequently faced criticism. “Watch something else, then,” he retorted to detractors. His results validate his steadfast strategies, and with plans to depart from Les Bleus after the tournament, he is unlikely to alter his approach now. Deschamps has previously enjoyed success at Monaco and Marseille, indicating a potential return to club management.
Key Player
Kylian Mbappé continues to be the centerpiece of France’s team, solidifying his role since leading the nation to World Cup victory in 2018. Transitioning from a dynamic winger to a prolific striker, he now plays as a No. 9. France’s offensive strategies are built around him, especially as he approaches the milestone of surpassing Giroud as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Promising Talent
At just 20 years old, Warren Zaïre-Emery has already navigated a rollercoaster career. He made headlines by scoring on his France debut at 17 and was hailed as a forthcoming star. However, injuries and a dip in form saw him fall down the ranks at PSG, leading to a stint with the Under-21 team. Now, having made a strong comeback and become a vital part of one of the world’s top midfield lineups, he is eager for a more significant role with Les Bleus and could potentially address Deschamps’s right-back dilemma, as evidenced by his performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Key Contributor
Dayot Upamecano has enhanced his consistency and composure over the past year. While William Saliba has garnered attention for his displays at Arsenal and is gaining recognition with the national team, Upamecano has been instrumental in supporting him. The Bayern Munich defender, now at the age of 27 and in his peak, started all World Cup qualifiers except for a non-essential match against Azerbaijan, effectively keeping Ibrahima Konaté on the edges of the squad.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
Pricing has deterred many fans; nonetheless, around 1,000 supporters are anticipated at each match, with approximately 650 members of the Irrésistibles Francais (IF), the largest organized fan group, expected to attend the opening game against Senegal. The IF is known for creating a vibrant atmosphere in the stands, even if their chants tend to be straightforward. 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 mass jumping), and La Marseillaise, the national anthem, throughout the matches.
US Relations and Political Context
Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump shared a strong rapport during the early months of their leadership, following their elections in 2017. However, relations have since soured, primarily due to differing views on the war in Ukraine and recent tensions regarding the conflict in Iran. Trump has openly criticized France’s hesitance to support the US in Iran, and his remarks turned personal when he targeted Brigitte Macron. “[She] treats him extremely badly,” Trump stated, referencing a video from the previous year where Brigitte appeared to push Emmanuel’s face. In response, President Macron described Trump’s comments as “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
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