Deschamps reflects on final World Cup squad selection

Didier Deschamps spoke to reporters on Thursday evening after revealing the 26 players selected for France’s World Cup squad. The announcement came during an appearance on TF1’s evening news, where the 57-year-old presented the final tournament group of his tenure as national team manager.

With his contract ending after the competition, Deschamps admitted the occasion carried special meaning. Although he said he rarely displays emotion publicly, especially in front of the media, whose comments can easily be misunderstood, the French coach explained that he currently feels calm and fully focused on the upcoming tournament.

Very few unexpected decisions had been anticipated before the squad reveal, but Deschamps acknowledged that leaving certain players out remained difficult despite the professional realities attached to the process.

Goalkeeper choice among key talking points

One of the main subjects discussed after the announcement was the inclusion of Robin Risser as France’s third goalkeeper. Deschamps explained that Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Chevalier could have been considered if he had been healthier and receiving more playing time at the club level.

The head coach also dismissed speculation surrounding a possible international return for Hugo Lloris, indicating that such an option was never truly under consideration.

Among the more surprising selections were Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, while Eduardo Camavinga did not make the final list. Deschamps recognised that omissions are especially hard for players who are regularly part of the national team setup, though he insisted the staff had already been clear on most of the choices before the final evening discussions.

Les Bleus begin campaign in June

France will start their World Cup journey against Senegal on June 16 before continuing Group I play with matches against Iraq and Norway. Preparations for the tournament will also include warm-up fixtures against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland before the squad travels to the East Coast.

Deschamps underlined that all of his attention is now directed toward the competition itself as he approaches what will be his final major tournament in charge of Les Bleus.