Deschamps tackles image rights row as France face final World Cup warm-up

Last test before the World Cup

France face Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille for their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup (1). This is the last chance for Deschamps to settle doubts and fine-tune things. The squad departs for the tournament on June 10 (2).

Deschamps on image rights: "There are things I can understand and others I can't"

Speaking Sunday at a press conference, Didier Deschamps addressed the recurring image rights tensions inside the France camp (3). "Il y a des trucs que je veux bien comprendre et d'autres non," he said, making clear this is not a distraction he wants heading into the tournament (3).

Rabiot backs Cherki's confidence

Rayan Cherki raised eyebrows with bold comments about "crushing everyone" at the World Cup. Adrien Rabiot is unbothered: "Je n'ai pas trouvé ça déplacé," he said, praising Cherki's ambitious side (6). The two face the media again Monday (6).

Koulibaly: Senegal are aiming high

France's opening World Cup opponent is talking big. Kalidou Koulibaly told reporters: "Nos attentes sont très élevées" – Senegal expect a lot from themselves (4). The two nations meet in the tournament opener, and the warning shot is clear.

World Cup notebook

Brazil have suffered an injury blow ahead of the tournament (5). DR Congo will play their opening match behind closed doors (5). The World Cup kicks off Thursday June 11.

Fan reactions

French supporters are split on the Cherki saga – some love the swagger, others worry it adds unnecessary pressure before a World Cup. The image rights debate has resurfaced as a familiar frustration, with many fans just wanting the focus to stay on football. Join the discussion on r/soccer