Didier Deschamps led the French national team for over 10 years starting in 2012, winning the 2020/21 Nations League and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They also reached the final of the top tournament held in Qatar, but Lionel Messi and Argentina won on penalties, depriving them of their dream of a second championship. Looking ahead to the new World Cup, Deschamps reflected:
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Deschamps and his thoughts for the 2026 World Cup
On December 18, 2022, France drew 2-2 with Argentina at the Lusail Stadium and lost 4-2 on penalties. But the loss is a healed wound for the coach, who is already thinking about the next World Cup.
Deschamps told Orr: “There are no rematches in football. Argentina won so there is nothing we can do now. This is a new competition and we will go as far as possible.”
Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane will take over as manager after the tournament, so the tournaments in the United States, Mexico and Canada are likely to be Didier’s last tournaments. After the draw on December 5th, Kylian Mbapp and his team will be placed in Group I, where they will face Senegal, Erling Haaland’s Norway, and the winner of the play-off between Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq.
Although France are becoming one of the countries that could lift the trophy again, with their group said to be one of the most difficult, Didier remains hopeful.
“France can be the favorites. As with any World Cup, there are six or seven teams that can win, but in the end only one will win. To be the best, we have to beat all the teams,” he added.
Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will play in his sixth World Cup, but if he does, he will join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only two players to have played in six World Cups. With this in mind, Deschamps praised his rivals and the stars of the sport, saying:
“These are two players who have been in international football for over 15 years. No doubt it’s something special for them.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th.
