France captain Kylian Mbappé paid tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps after the former manager returned to the line over the death of his mother, as Les Bleus defeated Sweden to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.Mbappé, who scored twice in France’s 3-0 win against Sweden, gave Deschamps his first goal and ran to the French stadium and hugged his coach, the whole team joined in a show of unity. This happened after Deschamps missed the last game of the French team to be with his family after the death of his mother.
Mbappé: “There are more important things than the World Cup”
Speaking after the match, Mbappé explained why celebrating with Deschamps was more important than one could do.“There are things more important than the World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappé told reporters, according to USA Today.The French ambassador confirmed that the team wants to stand behind their coach in the most difficult period of his life.“But as I said, it is in the DNA of this group to unite, to be united. We are all behind the coach, no matter what happens, no matter what happens. We are all behind him, and we wanted him to know that he was not alone,” he said.French defender Malo Gusto also agreed with the captain’s statement that the players want to return the faith that Deschamps has shown in them.“I think this was important. I think Kylian did this to help our coach, too. It was a difficult time for him. It was for us to return the favor. I think we did very well tonight,” said Gusto.The impressive performance led to a superb performance for Mbappé, who scored twice as France progressed to the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Deschamps was moved by the captain’s hands
Deschamps admitted that Mbappé’s celebration had a big impact on him and praised the unity his players had shown throughout his absence.“Kylian’s actions touched me a lot. He has been an example from the first day. The team was united, and did what was important when I was not there. The spirit of the team does not win games, but it can lose them,” said Deschamps, according to Franceinfo.Reflecting on France’s qualification, the World Cup-winning coach said the team deserved to celebrate yet another success in their campaign.“This has happened, it’s understandable and natural, but you have to appreciate when things go well,” he said.Deschamps reaffirmed France’s desire to win another World Cup.“We are on the job, me too, with them,” he added.The win added another milestone to Deschamps’ successful coaching career, making him the most successful manager in FIFA World Cup history with nine.
