This Monday, the French national football team faces Northern Ireland in a World Cup 2026 preparation match. In a press conference, Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach, spoke about Désiré Doué, the 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder/forward.
Deschamps: “An additional quality player.”
“Can Doué be a starter at the 2026 World Cup? Yes, but there are others here. He’s a very young player who just turned 21. He’s decisive for his club, and for us too.
He has versatility, even if I think he’s more comfortable on the wing. This ability to beat defenders, to dribble and make a difference, with a high work rate, which isn’t always the case for an attacking player. It gives us an additional quality player.”
Logically, Deschamps won’t give any more information about his starting eleven preferences. The World Cup is a unique competition where the coach’s choices can change very quickly.
Doué is nonetheless a high-quality player, having had a great season with PSG. He is physically and mentally ready; it remains to be seen whether Didier Deschamps will make him his number one choice. The French attack is well-stocked, so he will have to redouble his efforts and deliver outstanding performances to earn his place.”
