France's squad depth makes them favorites for World Cup 2026, but managing such elite talent presents unique challenges. Didier Deschamps, in charge since 2012, has built a reputation for adapting his system mid-tournament to maximize player potential. His tactical flexibility proved essential in the opening match against Senegal.

Deschamps initially deployed a lopsided 4-2-4 formation, positioning Hugo Ekitike on the left with Kylian Mbappe dropping deep to accommodate his desire for greater involvement. The system mirrored club roles: Mbappe as Real Madrid's roaming striker, Michael Olise hugging the right touchline for Bayern Munich, and Oussef Dembele operating as a false nine. However, France struggled defensively against Senegal's tactical awareness.

Tactical adjustments at halftime proved decisive. Deschamps swapped Olise and Dembele's positions, moving the Ballon d'Or winner to right midfield while bringing Olise inside. This created a more compact 4-4-1-1 defensive shape, protecting midfielders Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni. The changes immediately improved France's defensive solidity while maintaining attacking fluidity.

These modifications showcased Deschamps' understanding of individual skill sets rather than rigid tactical patterns. France's forwards continue rotating across the line, combining in tight spaces with intuitive understanding. The result: a more threatening attack paired with defensive stability, giving France genuine World Cup credentials.