France have received a double boost ahead of their final World Cup warm-up fixture against Northern Ireland, with William Saliba’s fitness clear and Ousmane Dembélé set for a return.
Manager Didier Deschamps has moved to calm fears over his star defender while confirming a tactical shift for his attacking line.
Saliba’s Fitness Concerns Dismissed
The Arsenal defender has been battling a persistent back issue, leading to reports that the center back requires long-term surgical intervention once the tournament concludes.
However, Deschamps has moved quickly to dismiss any immediate fears regarding his availability for the upcoming friendly against Northern Ireland and the World Cup itself.
“All 26 players will be available for tomorrow’s match,” Deschamps told Telefoot ahead of the Northern Ireland clash.
“He is being looked after by the medical staff, and we are also managing him based on how he feels. But it’s something he’s had for several weeks and it hasn’t prevented him from playing every match with Arsenal, including that final [of the Champions League] for 120 minutes.”
Dembélé Returns To Coaching After European Glory
Whereas Saliba manages his restoration, Dembélé is about to be built-in again into the fold following a interval of relaxation.
The PSG winger was left on the bench in the course of the current 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast, having been granted further time to recuperate from a grueling Champions League ultimate victory towards Arsenal.
Deschamps has now confirmed that the explosive attacker is in line for a beginning function within the ultimate warm-up fixture on Monday.
When requested straight if the previous Barcelona man can be within the lineup, Deschamps stated: “Sure, like different gamers. Ousmane is likely one of the gamers, like Want (Doue), who did not play after the ultimate. I felt it was vital for him to recuperate.”
The return of the Ballon d’Or winner’s tempo and trickery can be a welcome sight for a French facet trying to discover their rhythm.
Inner Tensions Over Picture Rights
Nevertheless, it’s not all easy crusing within the French camp. Studies have emerged of an extremely tense atmosphere surrounding using participant picture rights.
Superstars Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki are reportedly sad with the French Soccer Federation (FFF) over a promotional marketing campaign for a sports-betting operator.
The celebs are searching for clarification from the federation, with the report stating they’re “sad that lots of their photos are being utilized in an promoting marketing campaign for a betting firm, an official associate of the FFF.”
Whereas this off-field distraction looms, Deschamps can be hoping the main focus stays on the pitch because the squad prepares for his or her ultimate pleasant match in Europe.
World Cup Opener On The Horizon
Every part is at the moment being constructed for the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup, the place France will face a well-recognized foe in Senegal.
The reminiscences of 2002 nonetheless linger, and Deschamps is decided to keep away from any such slip-ups this time round. Having Saliba match and Dembélé refreshed supplies the tactical flexibility required to navigate a difficult Group I.
With the ultimate preparations concluding within the match towards Northern Eire, the main focus will then shift to sustaining the health of key people whereas integrating the late-arriving Champions League winners into the tactical setup.
Les Bleus are as soon as once more among the many favorites, and with their stars returning to the fold, the expectations in Paris are as excessive as ever.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 match matches will air dwell throughout FOX and FS1 with each match streaming dwell and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities apps.
