Deschamps Anticipates Mbappe and Haaland World Cup Showdown

France began preparing for a high-profile World Cup clash the moment coach Didier Deschamps learned his team would face Norway in Group I of the 2026 tournament. The draw immediately set up one of the competition’s most anticipated battles, built around two of the sport’s most prolific forwards. Deschamps embraced the excitement surrounding Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, even as he emphasized the wider strength of both squads.

“It will be a great duel,” Deschamps told reporters in Washington after France and Norway were drawn together alongside Senegal. “Both teams have lots of other big names, but of course Kylian and Haaland are two players recognized around the world and they will be two of the contenders to be the top scorer.”

Mbappe enters the tournament in sensational form, scoring 30 goals in 24 matches for Real Madrid and France this season. Haaland’s numbers are just as remarkable, with 33 goals in 24 appearances for Manchester City and Norway. His scoring surge helped Norway finish ahead of Italy in their qualifying group and secure their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

France, meanwhile, are motivated by the desire to lift a third World Cup after losing the 2022 final on penalties to Argentina. Group I will not make things easy, with Senegal and a yet-to-be-determined team from the intercontinental play-offs also in the mix. Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname will complete the group after the March qualifiers.

How Is France Preparing for a Challenging Group I?

The matchup with Senegal brings back memories of 2002, when France, entering the tournament as defending champions, suffered a surprising defeat to the West African side and exited at the group stage. Deschamps reminded reporters that past tournaments carry no guarantees.

“Every World Cup has its own story and we need to make sure this one is as beautiful as possible,” he said. The coach will step down after the tournament, concluding a 14-year spell in charge, adding extra significance to France’s journey.

If France finish at the top of their group, they will meet one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32. A potential last-16 meeting with Germany looms, but Deschamps insists the team must focus on the early stages rather than looking too far ahead.

“Of course, as France we have a status and there is a lot of expectation around us, but we need to show respect and humility from the beginning,” he said. “Before thinking about what is at the top of the mountain, we will need to work our way up gradually and the first steps are difficult.”

Are Mbappe and Haaland Set to Shape the World Cup Spotlight?

With both forwards at the peak of their form, the France-Norway meeting is already generating global attention. Deschamps welcomed the spotlight but made clear that success will depend on France maintaining consistency and composure across the tournament. The blend of star power, history and high stakes makes Group I one of the most compelling early stages of the World Cup, and France will need to navigate every challenge with precision as they push toward another title run.

By Yockshard Enyendi