France coach Didier Deschamps provided a fitness update on key players Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba ahead of pre-World Cup friendlies. He stated that Mbappe is in excellent physical and mental condition, while Saliba will miss Friday’s match against the Ivory Coast.
France is drawn in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway, opening against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey. The team enters the tournament as a strong contender following its 2018 victory and 2022 final appearance.
France faces the Ivory Coast on Friday and Northern Ireland on June 9 before the group stage begins.
Both players endured challenging conclusions to the 2025-26 club season. Mbappe finished without trophies at Real Madrid and drew criticism from supporters. Saliba helped Arsenal secure its first Premier League title in 22 years but suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and sustained a late back injury.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps noted Mbappe’s experience as a two-time World Cup participant and team captain. He described the forward as being in strong form and emphasized the distinction between club and international duties.
Regarding Saliba, Deschamps confirmed the defender is recovering well but will not play against the Ivory Coast. The coach plans to manage minutes carefully across the squad during the warm-up matches.
