Didier Deschamps’ Defensive Strategy and Attacking Depth
Didier Deschamps has guided France to a position where they remain the team to beat, having conceded only two goals in six matches while maintaining a clean sheet throughout the knockout stages. The team’s depth in attack has been a defining feature of their campaign, with stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele consistently threatening opposing defenses.
The variety of options available to Deschamps allows for tactical flexibility that has troubled opponents. Michael Olise, who leads the tournament with five assists, has been identified as a significant creative force. “It is difficult to see the weakness,” noted Ian Wright, who described the team as one of the most clear favorites for a tournament he has ever witnessed.
Despite their strong form, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane cautioned that the team is not invincible. “France were so much better in every aspect of the game, but it doesn’t mean they cannot be beaten,” he said. While Mbappe missed a penalty in the quarter-final, he continued to impact the game by scoring a goal, bringing his tournament tally to eight, level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Paris Saint-Germain and the Financial Valuation of the French Roster
The strength of the French roster is underscored by the elite club pedigree of its players. According to reporting from FanSided, the squad draws talent from four different leagues, with Ligue 1 and the English Premier League each contributing seven players. Paris Saint-Germain serves as a primary hub for the national team, providing five players to the roster, including Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
The financial valuation of the squad is equally notable. Data from FotMob highlights the high market value of key contributors:
| Player | Market Value |
| :— | :— |
| Michael Olise | $200 million |
| Kylian Mbappe | $130 million |
| William Saliba | $120 million |
| Ousmane Dembele | $100 million |
| Desire Doue | $100 million |
Olise’s value has seen a significant rise following his move to Bayern Munich in 2024 for a reported $68.5 million. Meanwhile, Mbappe, who signed with Real Madrid in 2024, remains a central figure in France’s pursuit of a third World Cup title.
Mikel Merino and Lamine Yamal’s Pursuit of the July 19 Final
As the tournament enters its final stages, the remaining seven teams are vying for a spot in the July 19 final. France’s path has been characterized by consistent performances, but other nations are also looking to disrupt their momentum.
Spain, who secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal thanks to a 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino, remains a contender despite Lamine Yamal not yet reaching his peak form. Argentina, led by Messi, has survived back-to-back high-scoring knockout games against Cape Verde and Egypt, demonstrating resilience despite defensive concerns. England, meanwhile, faces a quarter-final against Norway, with manager Thomas Tuchel tasked with neutralizing Erling Haaland, who has been a standout performer for the Norwegians.
The intensity of the competition has prompted varying reflections from those involved. Reflecting on the atmosphere of the tournament, Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro stated, We dance to the music they play for us. Sometimes it’s a cumbia, sometimes a tango, sometimes a rumba.
Gustavo Alfaro’s Tactics for Neutralizing French Attacking Threats
Opposition teams are currently evaluating how to limit France’s influence. While Paraguay remains the only team to have physically pressured the French squad, other nations may look to control possession to neutralize their attacking threats. The upcoming semi-final matches will determine if any team can successfully implement a strategy to overcome the current favorites.
The tournament’s evolution toward a “sharpened” competitive state means that every remaining match carries high stakes. For France, the focus remains on maintaining the defensive discipline that has defined their knockout run while continuing to utilize their attacking depth. The outcome of the next round will reveal whether the current favorites can maintain their trajectory toward the final in what has been a highly competitive 2026 tournament.
Find more reporting in our Sport news section.
Related reading
