17 July 2026
Deschamps Vows France Will Fight Hard for Third Place
Outgoing France coach Didier Deschamps has sent a firm message to his players ahead of their third-place clash with England, insisting the tournament is not finished for Les Bleus.
Didier Deschamps made clear he will not allow his players to treat Saturday's third-place match against England in Miami as a consolation game, according to beIN Sports. The coach, who is expected to leave his role after the tournament, delivered a stern team talk after France's semi-final exit at the hands of Spain.
Deschamps told his squad that finishing on the podium remains a real and meaningful objective. The third-place match gives France and England one final chance to salvage something tangible from their 2026 campaigns before the final curtain comes down on the tournament.
For Deschamps personally, Saturday in Miami could be his last game in charge of the national side, giving the occasion an emotional weight that goes well beyond the match result.
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