“Mbappé scores again and the attack masks France’s defensive weaknesses.”

Kylian Mbappé needed no more than 90 minutes to silence critics and ignite French hopes: two goals and a devastating display against Senegal, crowned by the immediate impact of Bradley Barcola coming off the bench, have restored France’s status as title contenders. However, the offensive euphoria masks a structural fragility that could prove costly in the decisive moments of this World Cup — and everyone is already wondering: can the French defense keep pace with the dizzying rhythm of the attack?

Didier Deschamps went all in on an offensive line of four players, with Mbappé leading the charge and flanked by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué. In their opening match at the World Cup against Senegal, France won 3-1, with Mbappé scoring twice and Barcola sealing the deal. The match took place in a highly charged atmosphere, following severe criticism of the French team’s performance in the preparatory matches and a season of ups and downs for Mbappé at his club.

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The significance of this dazzling start is not just statistical — it is strategic. France has once again demonstrated a remarkable ability to score goals in abundance, just as it did in 2022, when it was alongside Argentina the most prolific team in the tournament, and in 2018, when it finished only behind Belgium. Deschamps’ squad boasts a rare depth: Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Thuram provide guarantees from the bench, while rising star Hugo Ekitike was not even called up due to injury. Few teams can afford such qualitative abundance in attack.

However, for every brilliant play in the final third, France exposes itself to risks at the back. Senegal not only managed to score but also created several dangerous situations, taking advantage of the spaces between lines and the boldness of the French backline, which is often pushed high up the pitch. This pattern had already been evident in the preparation matches, where the quick transitions of opponents exposed the vulnerabilities of centre-backs Saliba and Upamecano — two top names in European football, but often left uncovered due to Deschamps’ aggressive strategy.

The French coach did not hide his philosophy, opting to rely on attacking talent at the expense of greater defensive solidity. “We have players capable of deciding games at any moment. The important thing is to remain true to our identity,” Deschamps stated after the victory over Senegal, reinforcing the idea that, for now, attack is the best defense for the Gauls. Mbappé, asked to comment on his return to form, was unequivocal: “I have always said that the most important thing is to help the team win. Criticism is part of it, but I respond on the pitch,” declared the French captain at the end of the match.

It remains to be seen to what extent this gamble on risky football can be sustainable as the competition progresses and opponents become more tactically demanding. Teams with fast and organized forwards may exploit the highlighted weaknesses even further, putting additional pressure on a defense that, even with established names, continues to show signs of insecurity whenever it loses possession in advanced areas. Deschamps himself admits that there are “aspects to correct,” but he remains confident in the winning formula.

What lies ahead for France is a test of its adaptability: will it be possible to maintain its offensive DNA while also finding balance to avoid being caught off guard in the knockout matches? Recent history shows that the French have been able to overcome obstacles with individual brilliance, but in a detail-oriented tournament like the World Cup, a defensive error can cost a dream. The next match will be crucial to understand if France can adjust its defensive block without sacrificing the firepower that makes it formidable. Until then, the debate is on: can the French national team pursue the world title without paying a high price for its boldness at the back?

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