France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, confirmed that Marcus Thuram will be absent from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Sweden due to a minor muscle issue. The much-anticipated clash between France and Sweden, meeting for the first time at a World Cup after almost a century, will take place at the New Jersey Stadium with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line.
Deschamps expressed uncertainty about midfielder N’Golo Kante’s availability but provided assurance regarding William Saliba, who has been dealing with a back problem. Despite Thuram’s absence, Deschamps emphasized that France will maintain its attacking style against Sweden. He praised captain Kylian Mbappe for his work ethic and leadership, highlighting the team’s offensive capabilities.
Acknowledging the emotional impact of Deschamps’ personal loss on the squad, midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed support for the coach’s return. Rabiot mentioned the difficulty faced by the team upon learning of Deschamps’ mother’s passing and emphasized their commitment to performing well in the tournament. Deschamps, who briefly left the squad for his mother’s funeral, has returned to guide France in the upcoming phases of the World Cup.
