Didier Deschamps: France Among 12 Teams Capable of Winning 2026 World Cup

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national team, has stated that his squad faces a significant challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This edition will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.

In an interview with FIFA’s official website, Deschamps explained that the key difference between the current generation and the team that won the World Cup in 2018 lies in their accumulated experience in major tournaments. He noted that many young players lack international experience at the highest level.

Deschamps remarked, “The only drawback I can point out is that the 2018 generation had experienced the World Cup in 2014 and Euro 2016, whereas our current team includes a significant number of young players with limited experience in major competitions.”.

Despite this, he emphasized that France possesses a strong attacking force and a variety of tactical options but stressed the importance of approaching the tournament realistically and warned against overconfidence.

He added, “Football always brings you back to reality if you think you’ve reached the top,” highlighting that wearing the French national jersey carries a heavy responsibility for players to perform at their best.

France Among Top Contenders

Deschamps noted that expectations for the French team have risen following their triumph in the 2018 World Cup and their runner-up finish in 2022. He confirmed that France remains a contender for the title in every edition.

He stated, “We are among 10 to 12 teams capable of winning the World Cup, and we know that competition will be extremely fierce.”.

The French national team will compete in Group D alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway—a strong group characterized by high competitiveness.

The “Les Bleus” will kick off their World Cup journey against Senegal on June 16, a matchup reminiscent of their encounter during the 2002 World Cup when Senegal stunned France with a memorable victory.

Regarding this upcoming match, Deschamps mentioned that many players from this generation were either not born or too young to comprehend that game, asserting that those events are now part of history.

A Historic Legacy and Present Responsibility

Deschamps boasts a unique historical record at the World Cup, having won as both a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. He joins an exclusive group including legends like Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer who have achieved this feat.

The French coach remarked, “What was accomplished in 1998 and 2018 will always remain memorable; however, football does not live on past glories but on what we offer for the future.”.

Deschamps concluded his statements by reaffirming that France’s goal is to continue competing vigorously in the 2026 World Cup and strive to advance as far as possible despite the challenges ahead.