This article forms part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media entities from the 48 nations that have qualified. Previews from three countries are being published daily as the tournament approaches, kicking off on June 11.
Strategic Overview
Antoine Griezmann’s succinct remark, “It is a pain to watch, but it makes you win,” perfectly encapsulates France’s style under Didier Deschamps. During Euro 2024, although Les Bleus reached the semi-finals, they struggled to find the net, with Randal Kolo Muani being the sole player to score from open play in their loss to Spain. The remaining goals came from penalties or own goals.
During this tournament, the conservative nature of Deschamps’s tactics was evident. However, during a friendly tour in the US last March, his team showcased a more dynamic side, netting five goals in two matches against Brazil and Colombia. Deschamps emphasized his desire for a team that is “less predictable and readable” raising the question of whether their defensive strength might be compromised for a more aggressive approach. He remarked, “At times, we’ve been a bit on the limit,”
Defensive solidity continues to underpin the team, as only four European nations conceded fewer goals than France during qualification. Nevertheless, an impressive array of attacking talents is now available to Deschamps, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.
Defender Lucas Hernandez boldly claims that France possesses “the best attack in the world” While the individual talents are undeniable, the challenge for Deschamps lies in creating a cohesive unit, especially following Olivier Giroud’s retirement from international football in 2024. The recent friendlies suggested that a balance had been found, but whether this more adventurous approach will be employed during the tournament remains uncertain.
Coaching Style
Didier Deschamps has set the benchmark for international coaching, embodying a pragmatic and conservative philosophy that has influenced others, notably Gareth Southgate during his tenure with England. Despite leading France to consecutive World Cup finals and a Euros final over his 12 years, his coaching style has faced frequent criticism. “Watch something else, then,” he has retorted to detractors. His success validates his approach, and as he prepares to depart from Les Bleus this summer, he shows no signs of altering his tactics. With prior successes at Monaco and Marseille, Deschamps is considering a return to club management.
Star Player
Kylian Mbappé stands out as the focal point of a star-studded lineup, having played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory. Transitioning from a dynamic winger to a prolific striker, he now operates as a No. 9, with the national team’s offensive strategy centered around him. Mbappé is on the verge of surpassing Giroud as France’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Player to Monitor
At just 20 years old, Warren Zaïre-Emery has already navigated a rollercoaster of experiences. He made his France debut at 17 and was heralded as the next big star. However, injuries and a dip in form saw him fall down the ranks at PSG, relegating him to the Under-21s. He has made a remarkable comeback and is now a vital part of what many consider the best midfield in club football. He aims for a more significant role with Les Bleus, potentially even addressing Deschamps’s right-back conundrum, as demonstrated in his Champions League performance against Bayern Munich.
Unsung Contributor
Dayot Upamecano has exhibited remarkable growth in consistency and composure over the past year. While William Saliba has garnered attention for his performances at Arsenal, Upamecano’s contributions have been crucial for the national team. The Bayern Munich defender, now 27 and in his prime, played every World Cup qualifier except for a non-essential match against Azerbaijan, keeping Ibrahima Konaté on the periphery of the squad.
Expected Starting Lineup
Fan Engagement at Matches
High ticket prices have deterred many fans from attending matches, but up to 1,000 supporters are expected at each game. Approximately 650 members of Irrésistibles Francais (IF), the largest organized fan group for Les Bleus, are anticipated for the opening match against Senegal. The IF is known for their vibrant atmosphere, though their chants can be quite elementary. Commonly heard will be “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, on repeat throughout the stadiums.
US and French Relations
Between Donald Trump’s election in 2016 and Emmanuel Macron’s in France shortly thereafter, the two leaders initially enjoyed a favorable relationship. However, their rapport has since deteriorated, especially over differing views on the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Trump has criticized France’s hesitance to support the US in Iran, making personal jabs at Macron’s wife, Brigitte. “[She] treats him extremely badly,” Trump remarked, referencing a viral video in which Brigitte seemed to push Emmanuel’s face away. Macron responded, calling Trump’s remarks “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
- World Cup 2026: Guardian Experts’ Network
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