France coach Didier Deschamps reacts at half time. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

France manager Didier Deschamps admitted he delivered some home truths to ​his players at halftime during their 3-1 World Cup victory ‌over Senegal on Tuesday, after a lifeless opening ​45 minutes.

France looked sleepy in the first ⁠half and was lucky not to go behind, with Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr missing a great chance from close range to leave ‌the match goalless at the break. But it revived in the second half, with Kylian ‌Mbappe scoring twice.

Deschamps acknowledged his side made a lot ‌of ⁠mistakes in its Group I opener in New ⁠Jersey, but he added that he was happy with the team set-up and the choices he made.

He flagged in particular his decision ​to bring on substitute ‌Bradley Barcola, who scored France’s second goal in the 82nd minute, and to change the position of Michael Olise into more of a playmaking role in the ‌second half.

“I am frank with my players,” Deschamps ​said. “We didn’t have the best first half, we could do better on many levels. ⁠I don’t shout but I do give a piece of my mind, they have to make the right decisions.”

Deschamps ‌praised Mbappe, whose two goals made him France’s all-time leading scorer.

“People will still criticise him but he’s an iconic player, I’ve always said that. With one action he is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory,” he said.

Deschamps pushed back against ‌criticism that Mbappe does not do enough in defence.

“He’s not here ​to defend,” he said. “If he wants to miss the first half and score two goals ⁠in the second that’s ok with me.”

The match helped dispel ⁠a cloud that had hung over France since 2002, when the then-champion lost to Senegal in ‌its opening game and never recovered its mojo, crashing out in the group stage.

France faces Iraq next ​before completing its group-stage campaign against Norway.

Published on Jun 17, 2026