Poker, debutants and a rallying cry as France’s 2026 squad bonds tighten | OneFootball

France’s 2026 squad has shown rare togetherness since preparation began, with a buoyant, tightly knit camp. According to L'Équipe, that mood has lasted through the World Cup.

On the flight after the 3-0 last 16 win over Sweden, Ousmane Dembélé used the online nickname Mobut for Kylian Mbappé. A shared rallying cry then took hold between New York and Boston.

This is a particularly young group with small age gaps, which has made connections easier. The average age is 26.4 and 12 of the 26 are at their first World Cup, many having come through youth selections together.

When rules are bent, Mbappé is informed and smooths out minor issues as Didier Deschamps has allowed a little more freedom. Reminders land better from a peer, and those short on minutes are kept engaged.

No one is left out, with late call-up Robin Risser supported and players without family nearby looking after one another.

Rituals have formed, from daily stops at the Sottovento Coffee in the hotel lobby to evening poker, Uno and Ludo. Mbappé and Dembélé’s rooms double as viewing hubs for World Cup matches, NBA games or a film.

Unlikely pairings emerge too, with Lucas Digne arranging deliveries so Jean-Philippe Mateta can shave his head. After almost a month in the United States, the squad have found a rhythm that might not win matches but can help avoid losing.

Source: L'Équipe