After the official announcement of the list of players by Didier Deschamps, the French team knows what to expect ahead of the World Cup. The veil has been lifted. Serious things can now begin. On Thursday evening, Didier Deschamps unveiled the list of players for the World Cup. From June 11 to July 19, all the top footballing nations will battle to succeed Argentina, the winner of the 2022 edition after a legendary final against the French team (3-3, 4-2 on penalties). With two finals in the last two World Cups, Kylian Mbappé’s team is among the favorites to win the tournament. But, between predictions and reality, there is often a significant difference. Memories of 2002 (elimination in the group stage) or Euro 2021 (defeat in the Round of 16) are still fresh wounds, with the French team being overconfident. Comfort has never been French sports’ best ally.
Planned for months by the coach and his staff, after a “reoxygenation” year in 2025, the selected players for the big summer gathering signal the start of the French team’s journey. “We hope the adventure will be as beautiful as possible,” says the two-star boss, who dreams only of leaving his position with France on top of the world on July 19 at Metlife Stadium in New York. The final details are being refined. The schedule is known. It’s now time for the truth of the field. The only thing that matters.
Rendez-vous le 28 mai à Clairefontaine
After explaining his choices to the media on Thursday evening, Didier Deschamps has scheduled a meeting with his team on May 28 at Clairefontaine. The staff will have already taken possession of the facilities. The kick-off of the gathering will not involve players from the Champions League finalists PSG and Arsenal, expected a few days later, and likely exempt from the first friendly match. By June 2, all nations must submit their final list to FIFA. In case of injury, a new player can be called up up to 24 hours before the first match. After that, it will be too late. Regulatory obligations.
In a preparation divided into two parts, at Clairefontaine and Boston, the French team’s staff is organizing two matches, with Ivory Coast in Nantes on June 4 and Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8. Two days later, the vice-world champions will depart from Paris to Boston and Massachusetts, where their base camp will be during the World Cup. During this period, until the first match against Senegal on June 16 (Iraq and Norway on June 22 and 26), Cyril Moine, the team’s physical trainer, will ensure the players are in good physical condition. Managing players with high demands, those in better shape, and those with minor physical issues will be part of Moine’s mission to provide all necessary information for the first match against the Lions of Teranga. A seemingly insignificant period that can sometimes reveal situations that need to be handled throughout the competition.
The anecdote about Antoine Griezmann in 2024
As an anecdote, before Euro 2024, Cyril Moine conducted standard tests to assess the fitness of the internationals at the start of the gathering. To his surprise, the former physical trainer of FC Nantes found, with figures to support, that Antoine Griezmann was not in great shape. After discussions with the vice-captain, who usually excels in physical exercises, he decided to put him in a different working group. This detail had a significant impact, as the 2018 world champion struggled to shine during the competition, with his status declining.
Between engagements with sponsors, open training sessions for the media, and interviews, coupled with preparation and two friendly matches, the period at Clairefontaine will pass quickly. In the United States, the Four Seasons in downtown Boston, facing the oldest American park, has been privatized for the occasion by the FFF. Chosen over Babson College, Bentley University will host the French team for their training in America. Optimal conditions, even though the French delegation will pay close attention to details, especially the condition of the pitch in a country where soccer is still gaining popularity. These elements confirm one truth: the World Cup is approaching.
