Overview
- France will clinch a place at the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Thursday, otherwise qualification will be settled in Sunday’s finale in Azerbaijan.
- Dayot Upamecano arrives in top form and is framed as the leader of France’s back line after a standout run that has him unbeaten this season for club and country.
- The center-back said he considers himself among the best but credited his environment and highlighted gains in maturity that have reduced prior concentration lapses.
- Didier Deschamps praised Upamecano as one of the world’s top defenders, citing his speed, strength in duels and defensive intelligence.
- Linked in reports to PSG as his contract winds down, Upamecano said he is focused on Bayern and the national team and is not thinking about a move.