Didier Deschamps wants everyone to relax. Ahead of France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the veteran coach used his pre-match press conference to swat away any talk of ghosts, grudges, or unfinished business from 2002.
That year, defending champions France were humiliated by Senegal in the group stage. It remains one of the great World Cup upsets. Deschamps, speaking on June 15 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, made his position clear.
“We have no thoughts of revenge.”
Instead, Deschamps emphasized humility, squad depth, and avoiding the kind of complacency that sinks favorites. France enters the tournament as one of the pre-tournament favorites.
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