France faced internal tensions during the 2026 World Cup, culminating in a 4-6 loss to England on July 18. These divisions hurt their campaign, marked by just one win in five games. Several players fueled these tensions, affecting team cohesion.
Who caused these tensions?
Rayan Cherki was at the center of the friction. Frustrated by his role as a substitute and overshadowed by Michael Olise, he clashed with Didier Deschamps. Personal issues worsened the situation, weighing on the atmosphere.
Ousmane Dembélé also caused waves. His criticism of teammates during the semifinal against Spain didn’t go down well, especially given his own performances.
Théo Hernandez faced criticism for his level, deemed insufficient for a starter. Replaced by Lucas Digne, he raised questions about his place in the team.
Désiré Doué was singled out for his overly individualistic play, both in training and matches. His attitude was seen as harmful to the collective.
What are the consequences for France?
These tensions contributed to a disappointing campaign. The loss to England exposed the team’s flaws, despite a second-half reaction. France finished with a record of 1 win and 4 losses in 5 matches.
What’s next?
France must now prepare for their next match against Turkey on September 25. With Hugo Ekitiké injured, Deschamps will need to manage these tensions to revive the team.
These internal tensions marked France’s 2026 World Cup. It remains to be seen how they will influence their future.
