France head coach Didier Deschamps has admitted that neither his team nor England wanted to play the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, but insisted Les Bleus have a responsibility to compete and finish the tournament with the bronze medal.
France went down to its first World Cup shootout defeat in three straight World Cups, after losing to Spain 2-0 in the semi-final against Spain in Miami, where they could compete for third place.
In advance of the game, Deschamps admitted there was not much interest in the game, but added that it’s a responsibility as a France player to play for every point.
“This isn’t a game that England wants to play, and neither do we. But here we are,” Deschamps said.
The veteran skipper stressed that the third-place dice isn’t as crucial as the final one, but it’s an official World Cup round, which is important to take seriously.
Deschamps also said that it would be his last match as France coach, as he was expecting to retire after a successful tenure which saw him take his country to the World Cup in 2018, and again to France’s 2022 final.
France defender Ibrahima Konate also voiced his regret on the side, saying he was disappointed that they had left the semi final battle without winning, but that it was certain the team would give Deschamps a “winners send off”.
Deschamps will end a long spell at the heart of the French international team after his 99th match on Wednesday night against England at either fascade as Les Bleus continue their World Cup journey on a high, hoping to finish in a positive bracket by securing a bronze medal.