France coach Didier Deschamps hailed his team's resilience and self-belief after Les Bleus overcame an early penalty miss to defeat Morocco 2-0 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals.
Early setback did not shake confidence
Deschamps insisted his players never doubted the outcome, even after wasting several opportunities before the break. “We lacked efficiency in the first half and missed a penalty, but there was never any doubt, especially not with Kylian,” Deschamps said. “We controlled the game, pinned Morocco back, forced them to defend for long periods and eventually their resistance faded.”
Remarkable consistency under Deschamps
The victory sends France into a third consecutive World Cup semifinal, underlining the remarkable consistency achieved under Deschamps since he took charge in 2012. During his tenure, Les Bleus have reached the last four of a major tournament five times, winning the 2018 World Cup and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Collective strength praised
Deschamps also highlighted the collective strength of his squad, praising both experienced stars and emerging talents for maintaining the team’s high standards. With a semifinal showdown against either Spain or Belgium awaiting, the French coach urged calm despite growing expectations. “Our focus is only on the next match,” he said. “The players are experienced enough not to get carried away. We know the challenge ahead is even greater, and that’s where all our attention lies.”
