Tomorrow, the party begins. The kickoff of the 23rd FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, marking the launch of a competition that promises to be historic in many ways. And amidst the global buzz, the French team is quietly preparing what could be the most symbolic tournament for their generation.

Didier Deschamps set the course this Wednesday before the French delegation departed: "Our date is the 16th." Six words. A promise, a date, an obsession. On June 16th in New York, France will face Senegal at MetLife Stadium. It will be the first test of a campaign that Deschamps wants to transform into a perfect epilogue.

The end of an era

After more than twelve years at the helm of the French team, Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will step down as coach after the 2026 World Cup. "I've been here since 2012, I'm contracted until 2026, the next World Cup, but it will end there because it has to end at some point," he had stated. Fourteen years. Four World Cups as coach. A title in 2018, a final in 2022, a quarter-final in 2014. And now, one last chance.

This emotional dimension profoundly changes the nature of this World Cup for the Blues. It's no longer just a sporting competition: it's a page turning. The name Zinedine Zidane is frequently mentioned as his successor, having reportedly turned down several offers to wait for his opportunity. The transition is being prepared. But first, there's July to win.

A renewed squad, undiminished ambition

Winners in 2018 and unfortunate finalists in 2022, the French team is once again among the favorites for the 2026 World Cup. The Blues are number 1 in the FIFA rankings and will be based in Boston for their 17th World Cup appearance. On paper, they have plenty of strengths.

The list of 26 players was unveiled on May 14th by Deschamps on TF1's news program. Among the notable absences: Hugo Ekitiké, injured, was not selected, and Lucas Chevalier as well as Eduardo Camavinga, after complicated club seasons, were also left out. Absences that sparked debate, but that demonstrate the rigor of a coach who has never yielded to sentimentality in his choices.

The preparation took place under favorable conditions. Two friendly matches were played: on June 4th against Ivory Coast in Nantes, and on June 8th against Northern Ireland in Lille.

Group I schedule and stakes

Placed in Group I, the Blues will begin their tournament on Tuesday, June 16th at 9 PM with a tough clash against Senegal. The second match will take place on June 22nd in Philadelphia against the winner of the playoff Suriname / Iraq / Bolivia. The third will pit the Blues against Norway on June 26th in Boston. A strong group, which will not tolerate defensive lapses.

The competition will run from June 11th to July 19th. Forty days of football across three countries, in stadiums that can accommodate between 60,000 and 90,000 spectators. A 48-team World Cup, an unprecedented format, promises surprises and unexpected runs. But deep down, for the French, it all comes down to one question: can Deschamps lift a second star before closing the chapter of his life?

Editorial opinion — Théodore Mécanis

Deschamps was always underestimated until he wasn't anymore. In 2018, he was criticized for his uninspired football – he brought back the title. In 2022, people wanted him gone – he almost brought back the cup. This time, the emotion of the final tournament could work in two ways: liberating a squad with nothing left to lose, or weighing down a generation conscious of closing an era. What is certain is that these Blues cannot afford regrets. The talent is there. The moment is here. And Deschamps knows exactly how to turn a group of players into a team. That's precisely why he was kept for fourteen years. See you on the 16th. We'll see if France still knows how to win when it counts.

Key takeaways

- Deschamps will step down after the 2026 World Cup, after 14 years in charge.

- France No. 1 in the FIFA rankings, based in Boston for their 17th World Cup.

- Group I: Senegal (16/6), winner of Suriname/Iraq/Bolivia playoff (22/6), Norway (26/6).

- Notable absences: Ekitiké (injured), Chevalier, Camavinga.

- Zidane rumored as successor.