France head coach Didier Deschamps has called on his players to remain composed as they prepare to face Sweden in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup. Speaking in New Jersey on June 30, Deschamps emphasised the importance of blocking out external noise and staying focused on the task at hand, despite France's status as tournament favourites.
France's Perfect Group Stage Record
France finished the group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, securing nine points for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which they went on to win. The team's attacking prowess, led by captain Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, has made them strong contenders to claim a third World Cup title.
"Even before the tournament, we were among the favourites. Based on how we have played in our three matches, I do not think that opinion has changed. Our goal is to stay confident. Now, we are going into a new phase. Even though we have never taken nine points from the group stage, it does not give us any extra advantage," Deschamps said, as quoted by FIFA.
Blocking Out the Noise
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot acknowledged that the team is aware of the external expectations but stressed the importance of remaining focused. "I think we have done that well so far because we could easily have relaxed. For example, when we played Iraq (3-0), people said there would be a huge gap between the two teams, and that wasn't the case. We have worked hard, prepared thoroughly for every match, and we have taken each of them seriously," Rabiot added.
Drawing on Past Experience
Deschamps, who has been in charge of France since 2012, brings a wealth of experience to the knockout stages. Under his guidance, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finished as runners-up in 2022, and earned a UEFA Nations League bronze medal. However, a notable low point was their early exit in the round of 16 at Euro 2020, where they lost to Switzerland on penalties.
Rabiot, who played the entire match against Switzerland in that tournament, described that experience as valuable. "Those experiences are valuable, and it's important for those who were there to share them with the rest of the group. As that Switzerland game showed, you've got to stay alert. That is why I have said we take every match extremely seriously and should not let up. I am not saying that was necessarily the case against Switzerland, but there may have been moments of complacency during that match, and ultimately we paid the price," Rabiot said.
No Second Chances in Knockout Football
The knockout stages are familiar territory for Deschamps, with France having played 19 knockout matches since he took charge in 2012—more than any other European nation in that period. Deschamps noted the high stakes of single-elimination football. "There are no second chances, but that does not mean they play with nerves or hold back. It is part of the game, and the players compete to win and know that there are no second chances. With their clubs, there are qualification phases where you still have a safety net. Here, there is not one. It can require a different approach, but this is what we came for, and now we are here. The next step is to go out and win," he concluded.
