Overview
- After the draw, the France coach joked to Argentina, “See you as late as possible,” and said he would sign today for a rematch in the final because it would mean playing all eight games.
- He ruled out treating 2026 as payback for the Qatar 2022 defeat, saying Argentina won and a new story begins with the aim of going as far as possible.
- He said France can be considered a title candidate, noting there are six or seven realistic contenders at every World Cup.
- He flagged high temperatures, long travel and potential time-zone effects for kickoff times in France’s group, and is sending four staff members to validate the team’s base camp starting Sunday.
- He also noted the tournament’s special significance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as they near what could be their final World Cups.