France kick off against Senegal as Deschamps blocks Mbappé presser

France open against Senegal tonight

Your World Cup starts now. France face Senegal in the Group C opener on Tuesday, with Deschamps sticking to his 4-2-3-1 and fielding Koundé and Théo Hernandez (1). Dembélé, fresh off a Ballon d'Or, leads an attack that Rabiot himself called more aggressive than usual.

A third star is the goal. Senegal stand in the way first.

Mbappé's records are in sight

Kylian Mbappé enters this tournament with history within reach. Several World Cup records could fall if your captain gets going, starting against Senegal (2). He has spoken openly about wanting Argentina in the final. The numbers say he is built for this stage.

Deschamps blocked Mbappé from the press conference

Mbappé did not show up for the mandatory pre-match press appearance, and the reason is pure Deschamps. FIFA refused to move the event to France's training base, so Deschamps told Mbappé he was not going (3). N'Golo Kanté attended instead.

The manager drew a line. No unnecessary travel, no distractions.

Fan reactions

Fans are loving the France squad's tribute to their boyhood clubs, with players posing in the jerseys of the academies and teams that raised them. Olise in Chelsea colours has its own thread buzzing, and the main soccer subreddit is full of nostalgia for the paths these players took to the World Cup.

Diskussionen på r/soccer