Songkhla · League Cup · Defender · #5 · Brazil · 30 yrs
After a slow and uninspired start, France finally managed to kick off their 2026 World Cup with a win, defeating Senegal 3-1. French supporters watching the game from the Paris fan zone went wild at Kylian Mbappe's two goals. The French football star is now the new all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. France heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying enormous expectations, but the absence of Hugo Lloris has become one of the major talking points surrounding Didier Deschamps’ squad. The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. The French national team enters the competition with enormous expectations following a dominant qualification campaign and a squad filled with Champions League winners, established stars, and rising talents. A recent 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in a warm-up match only strengthened the growing belief that France could once again reach the final stage of the tournament. Kylian Mbappe and his teammates convincingly qualified for the World Cup, finishing first in Group D with five wins and one draw from six matches. The national team scored 16 goals and conceded only four, underlining the balance that has defined Deschamps’ era in charge. The squad will begin its Group I campaign against Senegal before facing Iraq and Norway in the opening stage. With matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, France is widely expected to top the group and advance comfortably into the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe. Didier Deschamps is preparing for what is expected to be his final major tournament as the Blues’ manager. The former World Cup-winning captain has transformed the national team into one of the most consistent forces in international soccer since taking charge in 2012, guiding the team to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022. Why Hugo Lloris is missing the 2026 World Cup The reasoning behind Lloris’ absence ultimately comes down to a decision made several years ago. Hugo Lloris officially retired from international soccer in January 2023, shortly after France’s heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. After representing France for 14 years and becoming the country’s all-time appearance leader with 145 caps, Lloris decided the time had come to step away from the national team. The veteran goalkeeper cited mental and physical fatigue after years of competing at the highest level. He also wanted to step aside while still performing at an elite level and allow the next generation of goalkeepers to emerge. The legendary goalkeeper did, in fact, pave the way for the next generation of French players, especially goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has since established himself as the country’s undisputed first-choice option. Despite retiring from the national team, Lloris continued his club career and eventually moved to Major League Soccer with LAFC. His performances in the United States have reportedly been impressive, sparking rumors that he could make a sensational return ahead of the 2026 tournament. Hugo Lloris of France shows teh World Cup trophy to teammates after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Deschamps chooses future over experience Although speculation over a comeback intensified in recent months, Deschamps ultimately decided against recalling the former captain. The France coach instead chose to continue building around the country’s new goalkeeping hierarchy, led by Mike Maignan. Milan’s captain has now firmly established himself as France’s number-one goalkeeper following Lloris’ retirement. Behind him, Deschamps preferred younger options rather than bringing back a veteran nearing the end of his career. Mike Maignan of France looks on That decision reflects Les Bleus’ broader long-term transition. Several younger stars are now expected to form the foundation of the nat
New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has said "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same", after signing a three-year deal at Selhurst Park. Glasner was in charge of Palace for 28 months and led the side to a historic FA Cup and Conference League victory, as well as winning the Community Shield. Sage has joined the Eagles after winning the French Cup with Lens and finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris St-Germain.
The stars could align for Scottie Scheffler at Shinnecock Hills this week, with the 29-year-old able to complete the final leg of his career Grand Slam and become only the seventh player in history to do so, should he claim victory at the US Open.
Germany have now won 10 straight matches, but Julian Nagelsmann said his team needed the confidence that comes with a 7-1 victory. The post Nagelsmann: Germany needed confidence-boosting hammering of Curacao appeared first on SoccerNews.
Sweden claimed a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico, taking a significant step toward Group F progression. Gyökeres, Isak, Ayari and Svanberg found the net for Graham Potter's side, with Omar Rekik's consolation goal proving insufficient to salvage a point for the North African underdogs.
Goalscorer Connor Metcalfe ‘pretty knackered’ after late-night flightSocceroos back in Oakland to continue preparations for US gameSocceroos goalscorer Connor Metcalfe admitted he hadn’t had the greatest sleep since Australia’s opening World Cup victory over Turkey.“It’s crazy to score, to get the win. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better start, could you?” he said, speaking back at the team’s training base in Oakland barely 22 hours after the historic scenes in Vancouver. Continue reading...
Substitute Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their Group E World Cup opener on Saturday, sealing a dramatic finish after a tight contest in which both sides created chances but failed to convert until the final moments.
