Lucas Hernandez confirmed William Saliba is following an individual training programme and will not join the group session, while Theo Hernandez is being managed as a precaution with no cause for concern. France regard their June 16 opener against Senegal as a very difficult match, and Hernandez was careful to note that his side is one of many strong teams in the competition, not the only one.

The defender expressed full confidence in every line of the squad, saying the depth of quality in defence is at the highest level and that internal competition keeps everyone focused and ready to seize their moment. Heat and humidity required adjustment: players who featured in the Club World Cup arrived knowing what to expect, while scheduled hydration breaks during each half will help the squad cope with conditions.

On Dembélé, Hernandez acknowledged he has slightly less free movement in the national team than at PSG, but described him as the best player in the world and expects him to find the right solutions in his France role. Hernandez dismissed excessive criticism of Mbappé, explaining that every action is placed under a microscope when you carry that name — adding that Kylian arrives at the tournament 100% motivated and ready to silence his doubters on the pitch.

Michael Olise was praised as a discreet personality but a lethal footballer who must not be given a single second of space, and Hernandez believes this World Cup can be his moment to announce himself on the biggest stage.

On the eve of France's opening World Cup 2026 fixture against Senegal, midfielder N'Golo Kanté and head coach Didier Deschamps addressed the media. Kanté described the squad's mood as positive and ready, following two warm-up games — a loss to Ivory Coast and a win over Northern Ireland.

He identified the key difference from 2018: the current group includes players who have already lifted the trophy, which sharpens collective hunger and understanding of what winning means. Kanté acknowledged Senegal's quality across all lines, particularly their midfield, but expressed confidence that France have the tools to compete and take the three points.

Despite having Malian roots, he made clear the match carries no personal revenge dimension against an African side — the sole focus is starting the competition with a win. Deschamps confirmed that heat management and the new cooling breaks were central to France's preparation, with training sessions replicating the 3 p.m. kick-off conditions over recent days.

Asked about pressure as tournament favourites, both men deflected: Deschamps pointedly suggested Spain deserve that tag first, while Kanté stressed a game-by-game approach and warned that nothing is guaranteed against any opponent.

Senegal's coach acknowledged the 1-3 defeat to France but insisted his side controlled the first half and could realistically have led by one or two goals had they been more clinical in front of goal. The second half unravelled through careless ball losses that handed France's technically gifted squad easy transition opportunities.

He singled out the difficulty of defending Olise's shift into central positions and his combination play with Mbappé, noting that Senegal's deep block became vulnerable precisely when the team was too passive without the ball. The coach rejected the idea that returning injury doubts had compromised the team physically, and expressed confidence that players will sharpen their fitness as the tournament progresses.

On tactics, he stressed the need to press the ball-carrier more aggressively to prevent the kinds of through-passes that led to France's opener. Drawing a parallel with 2022, when Senegal also lost their opener before winning two straight to advance, he said the group retains its qualification chances and the mood in the dressing room is focused rather than despondent.

The next match against Norway is identified as the key game: three points would keep Senegal firmly in contention for the knockout stage.