- Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, France coach Didier Deschamps discusses France's high expectations and taking on Senegal once again.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 03.06.2026) :: Didier Deschamps likes to stay focused on the task at hand. Heading into his fourth FIFA World Cup™ as France head coach, the former midfielder spoke to FIFA about his accomplishments in the dugout, where he made it clear he has no interest in resting on his laurels.
“I only ever think about today and tomorrow; that’s just how I am,” Deschamps revealed. “Honestly, nothing else matters. I’m focused on what lies ahead."
"What happened in 1998 and 2018 will always stay with me, but nothing can change the past. What matters now is what we do next," he added. "My role may have changed between 1998 and 2018, but I was there both times. Both experiences were truly magical.
"I’ve been lucky enough to win trophies at club level, the [UEFA] Champions League, etc, but nothing beats being a world champion. Your name stays the same, but two words are added forever: world champion.”
The fast-approaching 23rd edition is bound to have a special significance for “DD”, partly because it will be his final competition at the helm of the French team, and also because he could cement his place in the sport’s history books should he triumph in the final on 19 July.
Only Deschamps, the late Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer have won the World Cup as both player and coach. If France were to go all the way again this summer, he would move into a category of his own, becoming the first man to reach three successive World Cup finals and win the tournament twice as a coach and once as a player.
France go into the tournament among the favourites once again, just as they did at Qatar 2022. “We’ve built up expectations because of our results,” said the former Juventus coach. “We lifted the trophy in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, so our supporters are naturally expecting to see France [still in the running] by mid-July. We're one of the 10 or 12 nations that can realistically set their sights on becoming world champions. But do you know how many there will be at the end? Just one! That means at least 11 disappointed nations.”
To remain in contention by mid-July, Les Bleus will first need to negotiate a demanding group-stage. Norway and Iraq present formidable challenges, but it is the opening game against Senegal that could prove decisive. The fixture inevitably evokes memories of the 2002 tournament in Korea/Japan, when a star-studded France began their title defence with a stunning 1-0 defeat against the Lions of Teranga.
“Back then, my players weren’t even born or old enough to understand,” said Deschamps, brushing aside any talk of revenge. “There's no such thing in sport. It’s history now. This is a new chapter. Senegal is a top footballing nation in Africa.”
The French coach knows he can count on an explosive attack against Senegal. Ousmane Dembele, winner of The Best Award – FIFA Player of the Year 2025™, helped Paris Saint-Germain repeat as UEFA Champions League winners, while Michael Olise has been producing impressive performances for Bayern Munich. Captain Kylian Mbappe lit up the scoring charts once again this season, finishing as the UEFA Champions League’s top scorer with 15 goals.
Deschamps' squad is blessed with attacking talent. Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram will all be fighting for a place in the front line. “They won’t all be able to play,” warned the coach. “There’s a lot of promise, but we need the right chemistry, without letting individual egos get in the way. We need balance, and above all, compatibility and partnerships.”
Despite France's evident talent, Deschamps remains cautious, acutely aware that football “brings you back down to earth if you think you’ve already made it to the top.”
On paper, a third consecutive final seems well within reach for Les Bleus. “In terms of individual talent, there's a lot of firepower and I've got plenty of options.
“The only minor drawback I can point to in 2026, and it’s just a fact, is that those present in 2018 had already experienced 2014 and 2016. This time, I've got plenty of young players with limited experience in major competitions.”
Whatever their level of experience, the former Chelsea and Olympique de Marseille defensive midfielder has made clear his expectations. “When they put on that kit, the players have a responsibility,” said Deschamps, “It holds them accountable and requires them to perform. From day one, 14 years ago, I told them, ‘When you join the French national team, you don’t come here to take. You’re here to give.’”
The more you give, the more you get in return, so, it is unsurprising that having restored France to the top tier of world football, Deschamps is often stopped in the street by grateful supporters. “People are lovely. They thank me for everything I’ve done whenever I bump into them on the street. I usually tell them, ‘That's kind of you, thank you. But now it's time to focus on what lies ahead'."
For Deschamps, it is always about the present and the next step. The two-time world champion has not yet considered life after the World Cup. “Don't ask me what I'll do next because I don't know, but it’ll work out fine anyway. The French national team has shaped the course of my professional life more than anything else, 25 years in all, with 11 spent on the pitch and 14 in the dugout. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I doubt I’ll ever find anything better. But, you never know...”
Cr-FIFA2026
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