France national team: Rayan Cherki at the center of a minor controversy

World Cup 2026 Today at 15:00

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

After the defeat against Ivory Coast in a friendly, a statement by Rayan Cherki regarding France's ambitions at the 2026 World Cup raised a few eyebrows within the camp. However, according to L’Équipe, the situation was quickly defused among the French squad.

A few days after France's loss to Ivory Coast (2-1) in Nantes, Rayan Cherki’s comments about Les Bleus’ ambitions prompted some internal questioning. According to L’Équipe, several staff members were initially surprised by the wording used by the Manchester City player, who claimed that France was heading to the World Cup to "crush everyone".

However, the situation was quickly clarified. Within the French camp, it was assured that "There is absolutely no problem between Rayan and Didier Deschamps. It was a ten-minute interview where Rayan spoke freely. And in one sentence, in his own words, the words of his generation, he wanted to state the ambition of the French team." The coach nevertheless took the time to speak with his player to explain the different possible interpretations of such a statement.

Moreover, this episode should have no impact on his status within the squad. "It’s a lesson for a young international who doesn’t yet have ten caps (6)," an internal source confided.

See also: "I would have eaten Lamine Yamal one-on-one": Patrice Evra has no doubt for a second

As a reminder, France will play in Group I at the 2026 World Cup alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.

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