France captain Kylian Mbappé paid an emotional tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran coach returned to the touchline following the death of his mother as Les Bleus beat Sweden to book their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Mbappé, who scored twice in France’s convincing 3-0 win against Sweden, dedicated his first goal to Deschamps by sprinting to the French goal and embracing his coach, with the rest of the team joining in a touching show of unity. The gesture came after Deschamps missed France’s final group stage match to be with his family following the death of his mother.
Mbappé: There are things more important than the World Cup
Speaking after the game, Mbappé explained why celebrating with Deschamps was more important than any personal milestone.“There are things more important than the World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappé told reporters, according to USA Today.The France captain emphasized that the team wants to stand firmly behind their coach during one of the most difficult moments of his life.“But like I said, it’s in the DNA of this group to stick together, to really be united. We’re all behind coach, no matter what happened, no matter what’s going to happen. We’re all behind him and we wanted him to know he’s not alone,” he said.French defender Malo Gusto echoed the captain’s sentiments, saying the players want 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 difficult time for him. It was up to us to return the favor. I think we were very good tonight,” said Gusto.Emotional scenes rounded off 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 captain’s gesture
Deschamps admitted he was deeply moved by Mbappé’s celebration and praised the unity his players have shown during his absence.“Kylian’s gesture touched me deeply. He was exemplary from day one. The group was united, and they did what was needed when I wasn’t there. Team spirit doesn’t win games, but it can certainly lose them,” 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, me too, with them,” he added.The win also added another milestone to Deschamps’ outstanding coaching career, making him the manager with the most knockout stage wins in FIFA World Cup history with nine.
