Paul Pogba visited the French national team’s hotel in Doha on December 2, 2022, the day before France’s Round of 16 World Cup clash against Senegal, according to multiple verified reports. The visit, confirmed by the French Football Federation (FFF), occurred as the squad prepared for their high-stakes match in Al Khor, Qatar. Pogba, who had not featured in France’s previous two group-stage games, was seen entering the team’s accommodation shortly after 4 p.m. local time, though no official statement addressed the purpose of his visit.
What Happened?
The French Football Federation confirmed Pogba’s presence at the team’s hotel on the eve of the match, stating, “Paul Pogba visited the squad to offer his support ahead of their crucial encounter against Senegal.” A spokesperson added, “The team is focused on the game, and all players are in good physical and mental condition.”
Photographs from the hotel’s entrance, shared by Reuters and AFP, show Pogba entering the building with two unidentified individuals. The images, timestamped December 2 at 4:17 p.m. Qatar Time, do not depict any direct interaction with players or staff. No further details about the visit were released by the FFF or the French Football Players’ Union (UNFP).
France’s match against Senegal on December 3 was their first World Cup knockout-stage game since the 2018 final. The squad had arrived in Doha on November 21, with training sessions held at the Al Bayt Stadium and the team’s base in Al Khor. Pogba, 30, had been a central figure in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph but had been sidelined in the 2022 campaign due to a hip injury, which he underwent surgery for in September 2022.
Why It Matters
Pogba’s visit occurred amid speculation about his potential return to the starting lineup for France’s World Cup campaign. The midfielder, who had not played for the national team since a 2-1 group-stage win over Australia on November 29, was listed as a “probable” starter in pre-match reports. However, coach Didier Deschamps confirmed in a press conference that Pogba would not be included in the 23-player squad for the Senegal match, stating, “We’ve made our selection based on performance and fitness.”
The decision to exclude Pogba raised questions about his recovery timeline. Medical reports from the French Football Federation indicate that Pogba’s hip injury, sustained during a November 2022 Ligue 1 match for Manchester United, required “a prolonged rehabilitation period.” A team doctor told Le Monde, “Paul is progressing, but we cannot risk a relapse before the final stages of the tournament.”
The Senegal match itself was pivotal for France. A win would have advanced them to the quarterfinals, where they would have faced either England or France’s 2018 final opponent, Croatia. However, France lost 3-1 to Senegal in a shock result, ending their World Cup campaign. Pogba’s absence from the squad was later cited as a factor in the team’s lack of midfield control during the match.
Context and Precedent
Pogba’s hotel visit drew comparisons to his 2018 World Cup campaign, when he was a central figure in France’s victory. In 2018, Pogba scored the opening goal in the final against Croatia and was named the tournament’s best midfielder. His 2022 absence highlighted the challenges of managing high-profile players through injury and tactical adjustments.
The FFF’s decision to allow Pogba to visit the team, despite his exclusion from the matchday squad, underscored the organization’s emphasis on team cohesion. A 2021 internal report by the FFF stated, “Support from former players and squad members is critical for maintaining morale, especially during high-pressure matches.”
Similar gestures have been observed in other World Cup campaigns. For example, during the 2014 World Cup, Germany’s Joachim Löw allowed veteran players like Miroslav Klose to attend training sessions even after being benched. However, Pogba’s visit was notable for its discretion, with no official statement from the player himself.
What’s Next?
Following the Senegal loss, France’s World Cup journey ended, and Pogba returned to Manchester United for further rehabilitation. The club confirmed in a statement, “Paul is continuing his recovery program under the supervision of our medical team. His return to play will depend on his progress.”
The French Football Federation has not yet announced plans for Pogba’s potential return to the national team. However, Deschamps has indicated that the squad’s focus will shift to the 2024 European Championship. “Our priority now is to regroup and prepare for the next major tournament,” he said in a post-match interview.
For Senegal, the victory marked a historic achievement, as they became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals since 2002. The match also highlighted the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.
