On the evening of 5/12, the 2026 World Cup draw placed France in Group I alongside Norway, Senegal, and the winner of two international play-off series (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname). Head coach Deschamps commented on the draw results, stating, "This is one of the toughest groups, if not the toughest. But this is the World Cup. We know what to expect."

Deschamps (center) attended the 2026 World Cup draw in the US on the evening of 5/12. Photo: AFP

Senegal famously defeated France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup. That upset, two decades ago, contributed to Les Bleus' elimination in the group stage, despite entering the tournament as defending champions.

When asked if France would face psychological pressure from meeting Senegal again, Deschamps dismissed the notion. "Two decades, how does that affect us? Before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, people predicted we would return home without playing (France reached the final). Each World Cup has its own story, and we must write the best one possible. However, we also need respect and humility from the start. The initial rounds will be very difficult."

Norway recently completed an excellent European qualifying campaign. Erling Haaland and his teammates won all eight matches, including two against Italy with scores of 3-0 and 4-1. The Manchester City club star himself became the top scorer in the qualifiers with 16 goals. According to Deschamps, Norway is one of Europe's strongest teams, featuring many players from top clubs and possessing high scoring potential.

Regarding the individual rivalry between Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, the 2022 World Cup top scorer, Deschamps remarked, "They are both renowned players recognized worldwide. They will compete fiercely for the top scorer title."

Deschamps also expressed concern about the weather in the US, where temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius during the World Cup. He stated that the French Football Federation staff are researching weather conditions, travel distances, and rest days to develop the best plan.

France will play their opening match against Senegal on 16/6/2026. Six days later, they will face the winner of the two international play-off series, before meeting Norway on 26/6/2026. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.

As a player, Deschamps won France's first World Cup title in 1998. Two decades later, as head coach, he led Les Bleus to their second championship. Deschamps' team also reached the 2022 World Cup final, losing to Argentina 2-4 in the penalty shootout.

Thanh Quy (according to TF)