France's World Cup 2026 Hurdle: Deschamps Names Four Worries and a Grueling Group

Group Nine: France's tough path to 2026

Didier Deschamps, head coach of the France national team, stressed the difficulty of Les Bleus' path at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The draw in Washington placed France in Group Nine with Senegal and Norway, plus the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname.

In remarks summarized by Radio Monte Carlo, Deschamps called it a tough group—perhaps the most daunting in the opening round—and said they were waiting to learn their third opponent.

He noted that Senegal's win over France in 2022 remains a cherished memory and that many dual nationals playing in French clubs know the French players; facing the Lions represents extra motivation.

Norway, with a potent front line featuring Sørloth and Haaland, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best sides and poses a real test.

Deschamps stressed the team’s ambitions yet urged humility, saying they are among the favorites but that only one team will win the title and that a strong start is essential.

Every World Cup has its own story, he added, and France hopes to write the best yet, climbing step by step because the first rung is always the hardest.

He listed four concerns for the tournament: playing in open-air venues in high heat, long travel distances between the three host nations, rest days between matches, and traffic congestion.

Four members of the staff will travel on Sunday to select the best training base and match venues.

He wrapped up with a light jab about the ceremony: it was very American-styled and far too long, taking ages to identify opponents.

Punchline 1: If this group were a sniper’s target, France would lock on the head and still walk away with the trophy.

Punchline 2: In football as in stand-up, timing matters; the World Cup draw may be long, but at least the jokes wait for the whistle.