France women qualify for 2027 World Cup, Deschamps embraces expectations

France women book World Cup spot with nervy Ireland win

Your women's team is heading to Brazil. France beat Ireland 1–0 on Tuesday to clinch qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and they did it the hard way – down to ten players by the end and hanging on. Melvine Malard scored the goal that sent them through, connecting with a superb overhead kick that proved just enough (1) (4) (5).

The tension was unmistakable in the closing stages as Ireland pushed for an equaliser, but France held firm. A year after the controversy that marked the last meeting between these sides, this time there is no dispute – just a ticket to Brazil.

Deschamps embraces favourite tag ahead of departure

The men's squad flies to the United States today, and Didier Deschamps is not hiding from expectations. "We're among the favourites," the coach said in a wide-ranging interview. "It isn't a taboo word for me. If we have this status today, which seems logical and legitimate to me, it's because of everything that we have done, the results we achieved." (2)

Deschamps also addressed the squad's image-rights tensions, noting that Kylian Mbappé understands the weight of his words: "Mbappé knows that when he speaks, he speaks for all the players." (2)

Saliba returns, Dembélé question lingers

William Saliba shook off injury concerns and featured for France against Northern Ireland in Monday's final friendly before the World Cup (3). That is a relief – losing your defensive anchor this close to Senegal would have been a problem.

But the debate around Ousmane Dembélé has not quietened. Jean-Michel Larqué launched a sharp critique of how the Ballon d'Or winner is used tactically by Deschamps, arguing: "We will continue to sacrifice the Ballon d'Or." (6) His point is blunt – Dembélé is being played out of position and the team is losing his best qualities as a result.

World Cup squad watch

Jocelyn Gourvennec has praised Jules Koundé's rapid rise as the defender prepares for his second World Cup. "Koundé quickly climbed the levels," the former Bordeaux and Lille coach said, reflecting on a career path that has taken him from Ligue 1 prospect to established international (7).

Several Stade Rennais players have also been called up for the tournament (8).

Besiktas circle PSG's Chevalier

Lucas Chevalier's situation at PSG is one to monitor. With Matvey Safonov also in the goalkeeping ranks, Besiktas have registered interest – and Tottenham are watching too (9).

Fan reactions

The mood among supporters is split between confidence and caution. On Reddit, fans are debating whether this France squad is genuinely dominant or merely "strong on paper" ahead of the World Cup opener against Senegal. Meanwhile, the women's qualification sparked relief and a little gallows humour – one fan noted the Irish finally got a clean result after last year's controversy.