Senegal a threat to France – Deschamps

Senegal national team have been labelled a ‘good team’ by France coach Didier Deschamps ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

Speaking at a press conference after the World Cup squad announcement, Deschamps was asked about France’s status as a title contender, given that they are Senegal’s first opponent.

The French national team coach preferred to remain cautious and knows that they will have to work hard right from the first round.

Deschamps wary of Senegal team

“We have attacking potential… but all nine players won’t necessarily play together. It’s important to have options and to be able to distribute playing time,” said Deschamps.

“It’s good that the French national team is first in the FIFA rankings. So, there’s no problem being among the favorites. But are we more favorites than Spain, Portugal, England, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, or Morocco?

“You’ll have your own answer. I know there are expectations, but we have some tough opponents in our first three matches. And we have to focus on the first one first. There are expectations, that’s true.

“It’s also my fault and the players’ fault for having created them. It’s not about running away from it (the favorite status), but it’s not about saying ‘woah’ either.

“Be warned, the level of competition is ruthless. We have some tough opponents. I respect Iraq, but Senegal and Norway are very, very good teams.”

Senegal have defeated France before

Senegal famously defeated France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup on May 31. Papa Bouba Diop scored the historic goal in the 30th minute, leading the debutant Senegalese side to a stunning upset against the then-World and European champions.

Senegal was making their first-ever World Cup appearance and advanced to the quarterfinals, while France was eliminated in the group stage without scoring a goal.