As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the French national team is facing concerns about the performance of some of its key players. With the tournament set to begin in just three months, questions arise regarding the selection of players like Benjamin Pavard, Marcus Thuram, and Rémi Chevalier, who have not been performing at their best or have seen a significant reduction in their playtime. These dynamics create uncertainty not only for the players but also for coach Didier Deschamps as he contemplates his squad for the upcoming event.

Benjamin Pavard, once a celebrated figure after helping France win the World Cup, has found himself in a difficult position after a rocky start to the season with Marseille. Expectations were high when he joined the club, especially with the Champions League at stake, but his on-field contributions have been underwhelming, raising doubts about his role in the national team moving forward. This has implications beyond just individual players; it reflects a broader issue of maintaining competitive standards within the team during a crucial preparation phase for the World Cup.

The narrative is similar for other players such as Thuram and Chevalier, who are also grappling with challenges in their respective clubs. The awareness that their current form could lead them to miss out on representing France in a significant global tournament places immense pressure on them. As they strive to regain their form, the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, making every match pivotal in determining their fate in Didier Deschamps’s final selections.