OPINION | World Cup 2026: Didier Deschamps deserves respect ahead of his final hurrah | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps will head into the 2026 World Cup eager to build on the already impressive legacy he has established with the French national team.

Deschamps, who lifted the World Cup as captain in 1998 and as manager in 2018, is stepping down after the tournament in North America.

Once cruelly dismissed as a ‘water carrier’ by former teammate Eric Cantona, the Frenchman has earned legendary status in his home nation.

Guiding France to their third successive World Cup final and walking away with the trophy would be the perfect way to end his time in charge.

However, the build-up to a major tournament would not be complete without some French drama, and they appear to be keen to follow the usual script.

Former PSG star unhappy with Mbappe’s ‘preferential treatment’

While Kylian Mbappe’s status as the star man in the national team is well established, some of his teammates are reportedly frustrated with him.

Mbappe scored twice in France’s 4-0 victory over Ukraine in their penultimate qualifier – a result which secured their place in next summer’s World Cup.

Deschamps subsequently allowed Mbappe to skip the final game in Azerbaijan, claiming that he didn’t want to risk him in a dead rubber.

Former PSG star Jerome Rothen believes the decision was a misstep by Deschamps and thinks it could ultimately cause a divide in the dressing room. 

“Mbappe is the captain of the French national team – he gets special treatment, fine,” Rothen said. “But he has teammates.

“Do you really think that all those going to Baku, those who play as much or more than Mbappe throughout the year, aren’t tired and don’t also want to skip this meaningless match?

“No, but they go because they have to go. When you’re winning, nobody questions it, but the moment results stop going your way, these things can create tensions that are hard to control. 

“Making decisions like this can cause problems in the locker room, and I remain convinced that there are players who are fed up with this preferential treatment.”

Premier League duo grab their opportunities

While Rothen’s comments potentially have some merit, Deschamps knows better than most what it takes to handle egos in an international dressing room.

Mbappé’s absence from the final qualifier in Azerbaijan gave Deschamps the opportunity to try something different, which could work in France’s favour next summer.

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Hugo Ekitiké both featured in the starting XI in Baku, and Deschamps was delighted with what they contributed to the team. 

“We average a little over two goals per match, which is very good,” Deschamps said. “Mateta was making only his second ever start and he scored a lovely header. So that’s great for us and for him.”

“Ekitiké is gaining confidence too. He’s a young player with lots of dynamism and was able to express himself with his stamina to get around the pitch as well as his ability to penetrate with his speed.

“So, they’re another two pieces to consider on the offensive side of the ball going forward.”

Deschamps deserves respect in his last tournament

The manager’s decision to give opportunities to Mateta and Ekitiké makes plenty of sense, given that he is still searching for the right combination in attack.

While France qualified for the World Cup without losing a game in their group, they have produced several stuttering performances.

Having previously utilised Olivier Giroud as the fulcrum of his attack, Deschamps is still searching for the right balance at the top end of the pitch.

The Premier League duo gave him plenty of food for thought with their respective performances, and their addition to the squad is a shrewd move.

Their presence should take some of the weight off Mbappé’s shoulders and boost France’s chances of emerging victorious next summer.

Regardless of how things unfold in the run-up to the World Cup, Deschamps has earned the right to do things his way. For people with short memories, a quick history lesson is appropriate.

After winning the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, Les Bleus produced disappointing results at several major tournaments.

Deschamps has not only restored pride in the national team, but has also proved he can guide them to success on the biggest stage.

He deserves the chance to enjoy a final hurrah in North America without any drama, both in the dressing room and via overly vociferous pundits.

GFFN | Zach Lowy