Deschamps expresses gratitude to Mbappe and France's team for support

[[{“value”:”

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps expressed his gratitude to skipper Kylian Mbappe and other players for the support during a difficult personal period. He said that the skipper’s gesture and the team’s unity touched him deeply.

He said that Mbappe has been “exemplary” from day one and the team did what was necessary in his absence.

“Kylian’s gesture touched me deeply. He has been exemplary from day one. The group was united, and they did what was necessary when I wasn’t there. Team spirit doesn’t win games, but it can certainly lose them,” he said during a press conference, as quoted by Franceinfo.

The head coach missed out on the team’s final group stage’s match due to the demise of his mother. However, he returned to the sidelines for France’s clash against Sweden.

France secured a dominant victory by 3-0 over Sweden in the round of 32 match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking about the team’s qualification for the round of 16 in the mega tournament, the head coach said that the step has been taken and the team is on a mission to clinch the title.

“This step has been taken, it’s logical and natural, but you have to appreciate it when things are done well. We’re on a mission, me too, with them,” said Deschamps.

France produced an assured display on Deschamps’ return, with Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola also found the net in the 53rd minute of the game. With this, the Paris-born footballer is sharing the top spot with Argentina’s Lionel Messi (six goals) on the list of players with the most goals in the ongoing marquee competition.

The 27-year-old forward was also named the “Man of the Match” for his brace against Sweden.

Nouveau doublé ⚽️⚽️
Nouveau trophée d’homme du match 🏆🏆

Le KYKS est en feu dans cette Coupe du monde 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9H8oC2Tc11

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 30, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026, France: Upcoming match’s date and venue

Mbappe-led men will now take on Paraguay in the round of 16 match. The clash is scheduled to be played on July 5 at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania.

(With ANI Inputs)

“}]]