France’s World Cup squad entered their final preparation day before a high-stakes Group G opener against Senegal with a focus on unity and tactical clarity, as manager Didier Deschamps reiterated his belief in Spain—not his own team—as the tournament’s biggest threat.
In a rare pre-tournament interview, Deschamps told L’Équipe that “the clear favorite is Spain,” a statement that underscored both his confidence in his squad’s defensive structure and his acknowledgment of the tournament’s shifting power dynamics. The comment came as France’s starting lineup for the match remained fluid, with N’Golo Kanté confirmed as a key figure in the team’s midfield planning despite Kylian Mbappé’s continued absence from the press conference.
Why France’s Starting XI Could Shift Again Before Kickoff
While France’s 3-4-3 formation against Ireland last week featured Mbappé alongside Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani, Deschamps has yet to finalize his lineup for the Senegal match. According to RMC Sport, the team’s core remains intact, but Kanté’s prominence in the pre-match briefings suggests a potential return to the defensive midfield role that defined his Euro 2020 success. The decision to exclude Mbappé from the press conference—citing “personal reasons,” per Le Figaro—has fueled speculation about his role in the match, though Deschamps has not addressed it publicly.
Deschamps’ emphasis on Spain as the tournament’s top contender contrasts with France’s own preparations. The team spent Thursday morning in a closed-door unity session, followed by a full squad training session and a tactical video briefing, according to L’Équipe. The focus appeared to be on reinforcing defensive discipline, a priority after France’s shaky first World Cup group-stage performance against Ireland (2-1 win).
How Deschamps’ Spain Prediction Reshapes the Narrative
Deschamps’ public endorsement of Spain as the “big favorite” marks a shift from France’s traditional dominance in recent major tournaments. While France remains the defending World Cup champions, Spain’s 2023 Nations League victory and their deep squad—led by Pedri, Rodri, and Ferran Torres—have positioned them as the most formidable unit in this edition. Deschamps’ remark, delivered to multiple outlets including Eurosport, suggests he views Spain’s technical superiority and tactical flexibility as insurmountable.
“I have no doubt,” Deschamps added, when pressed on whether France could challenge Spain’s title ambitions. The statement reflects a rare moment of self-awareness from a manager who has often framed France as the tournament’s default favorites. It also aligns with internal team discussions, where players have reportedly been briefed on Spain’s set-piece efficiency and midfield control as key areas to monitor.
What’s Next: France’s World Cup Group G Schedule
France’s opening match against Senegal (11 a.m. CET, December 2) will determine the tone for their World Cup campaign. A win would set them up for a potential quarterfinal clash with Spain, should both teams advance past their remaining group opponents—Netherlands and Ecuador. The match against Senegal, however, carries additional weight: it marks France’s first encounter with a team that has consistently challenged them in recent years, including a 2-2 draw in the 2022 Nations League.
Senegal, managed by Aliou Cissé, arrives as the underdogs but with a squad capable of exploiting France’s defensive vulnerabilities. Their midfield duo of Sadio Mané and Ismaila Sarr has disrupted top teams in this tournament, while their high press and direct counterattacks have exposed gaps in France’s build-up play.
With no further lineup announcements expected, France’s focus remains on execution. Deschamps’ pre-match emphasis on “collective responsibility” suggests he is preparing the squad for a physically demanding campaign, where individual brilliance—while vital—will need to be tempered by tactical discipline.
