Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and France national team midfielder, spoke in the mixed zone following Les Bleus’ victory over Morocco on Thursday evening in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.
Zaïre-Emery: “The goal is very clear: to keep this momentum going and reach the Champions League final.”
How does it feel after qualifying and playing your first minutes?
I’m very happy, very proud. These are the kinds of matches every kid dreams of playing in. A Champions League quarter-final [sic]—a semi-final spot up for grabs. The squad is getting along really well; it’s just an exceptional group. We believed we could win this match; the goal is very clear: to keep this momentum going and reach the Champions League final [sic]. Er, the World Cup final! (laughs).
It’s been an incredible season for you; are you starting to believe you can win the World Cup title?
Whenever I play a match, no matter the competition, I try to believe. If we don’t believe in it ourselves, no one else will. If we put in all the right ingredients, we get rewarded. We have an exceptional squad, world-class players. On a personal level, it’s been an exceptional season—full of joy, good spirits, and smiles. This season will stay with me forever.
Zaïre-Emery: “These are moments that leave a mark. You have to know how to enjoy them.”
Can you describe the scenes of celebration? The squad seems to be getting along very well.
They are great moments, beautiful memories—both with the fans and in the dressing room. These are moments that leave a mark. You have to know how to enjoy them while staying focused, because there’s a semi-final coming up. We’re going to give it our all to reach the final.
Did the wait to play feel long?
It’s always frustrating not to play; when you’re a competitor, you always want to be out there. But you have to keep your head held high and keep smiling. I believe in myself; I have the qualities for it. I work for the team; I’m going to keep giving my all and doing my best.
Zaïre-Emery: “We’re focusing on ourselves—on what we’re doing well and what we aren’t doing as well—so we can improve.”
Do you have a preference between Belgium and Spain?
We don’t have a preference; we’re focusing on ourselves—on what we’re doing well and what we aren’t doing as well—so we can improve.
Is France a team that other nations fear?
I don’t know; you’d have to ask the other nations that (smiles). We focus on ourselves, give our best, and aim to be the best team possible. We take it one match at a time and try to win every game.
