defeat in the final
France faced a painful loss to Argentina in the World Cup final, a match decided by a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time, leaving the outcome in doubt until the final kick. The defending champions started in Qatar without the air of absolute favorites, partly due to earlier stumbles on the field and internal tensions that resurfaced as the tournament progressed.
During the event, a mix of uplifting performances and lingering scandals did not shake the team’s resolve. The Tricolores delivered strong football and solid results, but the atmosphere intensified after the tournament when questions about form and unity continued to echo.
passion for benzema
The tournament became a focal point of Karim Benzema’s career. The Ballon d’Or winner of the year had battled injuries earlier in the season and appeared unavailable for crucial moments in the campaign, a factor that drew criticism from some circles in football circles including Real Madrid supporters and media coverage in Spain.
Ultimately, Benzema did not take the field in the World Cup. During preparations, another injury setback emerged, and Didier Deschamps opted to leave him out while turning attention to the rest of the squad. The decision left some players uncertain, as Benzema had hoped to stay involved, receive treatment, and potentially contribute to decisive matches. Having reached the end of his international career, Benzema later announced his retirement from national duties.
Publicly, questions swirled about the rationale behind letting Benzema train aggressively the day before an injury, with some arguing that risk management clashed with the player’s desire to push through. On the route to the national team, a discrepancy surfaced between Benzema and the medical staff over the need for extensive checks, reflecting broader debates about medical decisions within the squad.
Regardless of the outcome, Benzema’s absence left a noticeable gap, and he faced the sense that his personal goals and national duties had not aligned as hoped. He even declined a high-profile invitation from national leadership to attend the final as a spectator, underscoring the personal moment of reframing his career from this point forward.
Deschamps or Zidane
Deschamps entered the World Cup under intense scrutiny. He faced pressure to repeat success and to weather the storm of criticism that followed the team through a difficult year. While some suggested a fresh leadership change, others pointed to a potential return of Zinedine Zidane, a storied figure who has long been viewed as a possible successor to lead the national squad.
In the broader discussion, Zidane remained a topic of speculation as rumors linked him with the job, though no official move had materialized. As the tournament neared its end, the narrative leaned toward Deschamps extending his tenure with the French Football Federation, with talks anticipated to define the terms before future cycles such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.
Looking ahead, a shift in coaching could influence Benzema’s future with the team, given the strong rapport the striker had developed with Zidane at Real Madrid. Opinions differed on whether Benzema remains the best embodiment of French football history, with some praising other iconic figures while Zidane lauded his former teammate’s value and contributions. The exchanges reflected a broader mood about leadership and legacy in French football as a whole.
Lloris and Griezmann vs.
The internal strains did not end there. Media coverage highlighted unease about Benzema’s return, which occurred after a long absence tied to prior team events. Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and key defender Antoine Griezmann were among those less expressive about the renewal, a sign that unity within the squad was a delicate balance to maintain.
There is also footage circulating that shows the team at a long table as Deschamps speaks about Benzema’s return, with Lloris and Griezmann displaying reserved expressions. The situation suggested a complex emotional landscape, where pride and commitment sat alongside lingering reservations.
Speculation about Lloris’s possible retirement followed the World Cup final loss, setting the stage for a leadership handover. If a transition did occur, Kylian Mbappé would be the natural captain given his influence and his strong bond with Benzema, a dynamic that could shape the squad’s direction for the coming years.
Other scandals
Even with high tensions, the team faced further public scrutiny. Benjamin Pavard, who had distinguished himself with a standout performance in the 2018 World Cup, found himself moved from a starting position and eventually did not feature again on the field. The defender’s later comments and behavior drew criticism, and he did not enjoy broad support from certain teammates, with some players defending Pavard while others questioned decision-making from staff.
Throughout the tournament, allegations hovered about locker room leaks and tensions among players. After the final penalty shootout, social media amplified reactions, with fans singling out several players for blame. Some athletes chose to limit comments on their social channels to avoid further controversy as discussions about race and fairness intensified in the wake of the defeat.
In this fragile atmosphere, the realities of elite sport — pressure, public scrutiny, and the weight of national expectations — were never far from the surface. The World Cup run left a lasting impression on the players, staff, and fans who followed a campaign full of highs and lows, debate and admiration alike, and the sense that outcomes in sport are rarely just about the game on the field. A new chapter beckoned for the French team, with leadership, loyalty, and continuity likely to define its path forward.