Ousmane Dembélé told ESPN that Didier Deschamps stepping down after the World Cup is a motivator, not a distraction. The French squad, led by the 14‑year‑old coach who won 2018, will finish his tenure on a high note. Dembélé stresses the team’s focus on reaching the final under Deschamps’ guidance ahead of the tournament in New Jersey and the fans for glory.

Deschamps, who took over in 2012 and lifted France to a 2018 title, will steer Les Bleus through Group 1 against Senegal, Iran and Norway. Dembélé, after injuring himself in the Champions League final, believes the group is solid but warns that favorites like Argentina, Spain and Brazil will test the squad’s resilience before the knockout stages and keep pressure daily.

France opens June 16 at MetLife Stadium against Senegal, with Dembélé noting that while the field levels the playing field, the team must stay sharp. The squad’s goal is to secure a final berth, honoring Deschamps’ legacy and delivering a trophy to a nation hungry for another World Cup triumph as the nation celebrates and the fans once again today.