France head coach Didier Deschamps has turned down a request from his players for a night out ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff against England, insisting the team remain focused on ending the tournament on a positive note.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, members of the French squad requested a free evening to “clear their heads” following their 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain earlier this week.
However, Deschamps rejected the proposal, determined to avoid ending France’s World Cup campaign with consecutive defeats.
The French squad travelled from their training base in Boston to Miami on Thursday in preparation for the clash with England.
England will also be looking to bounce back after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in Wednesday’s second semi-final.
Saturday’s third-place playoff will mark Deschamps’ final game in charge of the French national team after announcing earlier this year that he would step down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France will be aiming to secure a podium finish, while England will be hoping to conclude their campaign with victory after falling short of a place in the final.