"Our goal is to win the World Cup. We are going to North America to claim the title", Mbappe told Diario AS. "I do not understand external statements suggesting the goal is the semifinals. If the goal is the semifinals, will we stop playing and go home once we reach it? No. The goal is to win. That is the dream for all of us".
The French captain's stance contrasts with the FFF. In an interview with L'Equipe on June 4, President Philippe Diallo outlined three distinct levels for the team's objectives. "For the budget, the goal is the quarterfinals", he stated. "Sporting-wise, the goal is the semifinals. But in our minds, it is the third star".
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Mbappe disappointed standing near Lamine Yamal after France lost 1-2 to Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinals at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany. Photo: Reuters |
This interpretation reflects the pressure facing the FFF as the World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time. A longer tournament means increased logistics, travel, and organizational costs. Even with FIFA increasing prize money by 15%, many federations struggle to balance their finances if their team does not advance deep into the competition. "We need to go very far in the tournament to balance the budget. I am not even talking about making a profit, just avoiding losses", Diallo added.
From a management perspective, setting a minimum goal of the semifinals provides the FFF with a basis for financial planning and performance evaluation. However, Mbappe and the players view this approach as lacking ambition for one of the world's strongest teams.
France enters the World Cup 2026 after two consecutive appearances in the final. They won in 2018 in Russia and reached the final in 2022 in Qatar, only losing to Argentina after a penalty shootout. They first won the title in 1998, meaning the team would secure its third championship if they win this tournament.
France's current squad is strong. Besides Mbappe, coach Didier Deschamps has stars in the prime of their careers, such as Michael Olise, Aurelien Tchouameni, William Saliba, and Ousmane Dembele. This will also be Deschamps' final World Cup as coach, after leading the national team for over a decade.
Therefore, setting a semifinal target is unlikely to satisfy the players, especially Mbappe, the forward who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final. Mbappe has scored 12 goals in World Cups and needs just 5 more to break Miroslav Klose's record. If France advances deep, the 27-year-old forward will have more opportunities to set new records.
The World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. France will open their campaign against Senegal on June 16 (2 AM on June 17, Hanoi time), then face Iraq and Norway respectively.
Xuan Binh (according to Diario AS)
