World Cup 2026: Deschamps dismisses talk of revenge ahead of France’s clash against Senegal

France head coach Didier Deschamps has played down suggestions that his side will be seeking revenge when they face Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the famous encounter between the two nations in 2002 belongs firmly in the past.

The two teams meet again on Tuesday in a highly anticipated Group stage fixture, 24 years after Senegal stunned the football world with a memorable 1-0 victory over the reigning world champions in Seoul.

On that historic occasion, the late Papa Bouba Diop scored the decisive goal as the Teranga Lions marked their World Cup debut with one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Deschamps rejected the notion that France would be motivated by thoughts of avenging that defeat.

“I know people like to use the word ‘revenge’, but there is no revenge in football,” Deschamps said.

“That was 24 years ago and we have another page to write now. What happened in 2002 was good for Senegal, congratulations to them, but we’ll make sure the result will be positive for us this time.”

The former France captain, who led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 1998, pointed out that many members of the current French squad were either very young or not yet born when Senegal shocked the world in South Korea.

Despite dismissing comparisons with the past, Deschamps was full of praise for the current Senegal side, describing them as one of the strongest teams in world football.

“Senegal are one of the best African countries and one of the best teams in the world,” he said.

“They have excellent players at top clubs, great attacking quality, an outstanding midfield and tremendous athletic intensity. We know exactly what to expect.”

Senegal arrive at the tournament as one of Africa’s most consistent forces, having qualified for a third consecutive World Cup and reached the Round of 16 in Qatar four years ago.

The squad boasts experienced stars such as Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Edouard Mendy, all of whom have enjoyed success at the highest level of European football.

Deschamps acknowledged the growth of Senegalese football over the last two decades and believes Tuesday’s encounter will be a high-quality contest between two ambitious nations.

“It will be a duel, a high-level duel, a proper confrontation for the first game,” he said.

While Senegal’s 2002 generation remains legendary for its historic victory over France and run to the quarterfinals, Deschamps believes the current Teranga Lions deserve recognition in their own right.

“I don’t want to compare generations,” he added. “The 2002 team did what had to be done for Senegal, but clearly we’re facing a wonderful Senegalese team that has what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football.”

The showdown promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round as Senegal seek another memorable result against France, while Les Bleus aim to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note.