France captain Kylian Mbappé paid an emotional tribute to coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran manager returned to the line-up following the death of his mother, as Les Bleus defeated Sweden to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.Mbappé, who scored twice in France’s 3-0 win over Sweden, dedicated his first goal to Deschamps by sprinting to the French dugout and hugging his coach, with the rest of the team joining in a touching display of unity. The gesture came after Deschamps missed France’s last group stage match to be with his family following the death of his mother.
Mbappé: “There are more important things than a World Cup”
Speaking after the match, Mbappé explained why the celebration with Deschamps mattered more than any personal milestone.“There are things that are more important than a World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappé told reporters, as quoted by USA Today.The France skipper stressed that the team wanted to stand firmly behind their coach during one of the toughest moments of his life.“But like I said, it’s in the DNA of this group to stay together, to be really united. We’re all behind the coach, no matter what happens, no matter what happens. We’re all behind him, and we want him to know he wasn’t alone,” he said.France defender Malo Gusto echoed the captain’s sentiments, saying the players wanted to repay the faith Deschamps has always shown in them.“I think it was important. I think Kylian also did it to support our coach. It was a tough time for him. It was up to us to return the favor. I think we did really well tonight,” said Gusto.The emotional scenes capped another outstanding performance from Mbappé, who scored twice as France comfortably advanced to the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Deschamps moved by the gesture of the captain
Deschamps admitted that Mbappé’s celebration touched him deeply and praised the unity shown by his players during his absence.“Kylian’s gesture touched me deeply. He was exemplary from the first day. The group was united, and they did what was necessary when he was not there. Team spirit does not win games, but it can certainly lose,” said Deschamps, according to Franceinfo.Reflecting on France’s qualification, the World Cup-winning coach said the team deserved to celebrate another successful step in their campaign.“This step has been taken, it is logical and natural, but you have to appreciate when things are done well,” he said.Deschamps also reaffirmed France’s collective ambition to lift another World Cup trophy.“We are on a mission, including me, with them,” he added.The win also added another milestone to Deschamps’ extraordinary coaching career, making him the manager with the most knockout stage wins in FIFA World Cup history with nine.
