Saliba keeps France solid as Deschamps departs on family leave

Through to the knockouts, Saliba clean sheet

France 3–0 Iraq on Monday and your team are into the last 16 (6). Two wins, two clean sheets, no fuss. William Saliba anchored the defence again, that is four and a half hours without conceding at this World Cup. Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele all featured as the attack searched for fluency (6). The goals came, the result never looked in doubt, and you go into the Norway match with the group already won, or as good as.

Deschamps leaves the squad after his mother's passing

Didier Deschamps has returned to France following the death of his mother (1) (2) (3) (8) (11). The French federation confirmed the news on Tuesday, and the squad have rallied around him, messages of support poured in from players and staff (11). Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge for the group finale against Norway (4) (5) (9) (10). Stephan, a former Caen man, knows the setup inside out (4).

Norway on Friday decides the group

Both teams are already qualified (7) (9) (10). France face Norway in the final Group I match on Friday, with top spot on the line (6) (7) (9) (10). Win or draw, and you top the group. The stakes are seeding and momentum heading into the round of 16.

History says this start matters

France have opened a World Cup with two straight wins four times before, and reached at least the quarter-finals every time (7). The last time it happened was 1998. That run ended well.

Fan reactions

The mood among French supporters is confident but already looking past the group stage. A popular thread notes that every World Cup winner since 2006 has dropped points in the group stage, raising the question of whether France's perfect start is a blessing or a warning sign. Separately, French football body TES is pushing the government to bid for Euro 2036 or the 2038 World Cup, and fans on Reddit are warming to the idea of hosting a major tournament again. Join the discussion