Deschamps issues strong warning: those who believe in an easy French victory will face the serious challenge of the Senegal ghost. France, regarded as one of the top favorites to win the World Cup, faces a debut filled with symbolism and danger against Senegal, the same African team that humiliatingly eliminated the French in the group stage 22 years ago. The match is scheduled for this Tuesday at MetLife Stadium, with the skyline of Manhattan as a backdrop — but the real pressure will be felt on the pitch.
The French team arrives at this World Cup after having reached the finals in the last two editions and enters with the status of a superpower, but it is impossible to ignore the trauma of the 2002 World Cup. At that time, also the reigning champions, the French fell without scoring a single goal, victims of a spirited Senegal that won 1-0, in one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition. Now, led by Didier Deschamps — who, interestingly, was not part of the squad during that fiasco as he had already retired — they seek to avoid repeating history. At 57 years old, Deschamps is about to conclude a 14-year cycle at the helm of the national team and knows that every detail can be decisive.
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The significance of this encounter is not limited to the past: France is in the spotlight, and every move will be scrutinized. The start in a group of four teams is always crucial, and a slip-up could force them to play catch-up. The French luxury squad includes names like Kylian Mbappé — who is set to earn his 99th cap and match Pelé as the sixth highest scorer in World Cup history, with 12 goals — Ousmane Dembélé, and the newcomer Michael Olise, a rising star who scored a hat-trick in the last warm-up match against Northern Ireland. France won that match 3-1, but is still digesting the 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast, the only setback in the past year, which served as a serious warning.
Didier Deschamps does not hide his concern about overconfidence. “The first game is very important, but it is not decisive. Starting with a win in a group of four teams is ideal and is always the goal,” the coach explained at the press conference on Monday. “But there is one aspect that we cannot measure or quantify: the emotional side. Some players may feel tense with the atmosphere surrounding the game. The ideal is to be focused but also relaxed.” The French coach also emphasized the quality of the opponent: “Senegal is a very high-level opponent.”
Last month, Deschamps had already expressed discomfort regarding the excessive favoritism attributed to his team: “There are already people talking about us being present on July 19, and that does not please me at all,” he said, referring to the date of the final. “Yes, we can be one of the best teams, but I know all too well that there are important steps to take before thinking about going that far.”
The defensive solidity of the French team relies on the central duo of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, while the midfield is led by Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni. N’Golo Kanté, one of the three survivors from the 2018 final, shared the sentiment within the group: “This is my second World Cup. In 2018, everything was new, and it was beautiful to win. Now it’s different. We have new players, but it is still special. I want to make the most of it and win again,” declared the 35-year-old midfielder.
With a fearsome attack and luxury alternatives like Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Maghnes Akliouche, France arrives full of solutions. However, history shows that being the favorite doesn’t win matches, and Senegal has already proven to be a treacherous opponent — particularly dangerous when underestimated. The past serves as a warning: any excess of confidence can be costly.
The next step for the Bleus will be to pass this fiery test without slips and solidify their title candidacy right from the first match. A convincing victory would help dispel the ghosts of the past and reassure fans and critics alike, but any misstep will reopen old wounds and place maximum pressure on the upcoming games. The challenge is set: will Deschamps and his French squad be able to resist the emotional trap and the real danger that Senegal represents? The football world will be watching, waiting for answers at the start of yet another expectation-filled campaign.
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