Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England in Miami on Saturday, French coach Didier Deschamps has made a startling claim. According to the French head coach, his side does not want to play the third-place match, but stressed that it is the duty of the national team to come up on top. Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive final took a major hit after a 2-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 semifinals.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference for the third place, Deschamps said neither France nor England wants to play the match. He, however, stressed that it is not a friendly game and the team has a duty to compete on equal footing.

“I have a duty for this game. It is not friendly. It is a third-place playoff. The players, staff, and I have the duty to reach this last objective. It is less important than the final. England does not want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are,” Deschamps said, as quoted by Reuters.

Didier Deschamps Eyes For Bronze Medal

Deschamps said that, currently, the team’s motto is to secure the bronze medal. He also highlighted that wearing the national jersey always comes with the responsibility to play for the country at the top of the game. In the concluding remarks, Deschamps added that the game against England will be his last game in charge.

“We have to set our eyes on that goal to be third and make this final goal a reality. We have this duty when wearing this jersey. In my head, I know that it is my last match. I don’t want anybody to cry. The end is near, but life goes on,” he said.

Zinedin Zidane Set To Take Charge

As Deschamps exits the French national team, Zinédine Zidane, who had been holding out for the position, is set to take charge of the France national team. Zidane’s arrival should be made official a few days after the conclusion of the World Cup.

The French Football Federation wants the contract to be signed by 21st July. The former Real Madrid would arrive with a much bigger staff than that of his predecessor. A record 25 staff members are expected to arrive with Zidane, who also wants to make the composition of the backroom staff more feminine.