France captain Kylian Mbappé paid an emotional tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran manager returned to the touchline following the death of his mother, as Les Bleus beat Sweden to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 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 embracing his coach, with the rest of the team joining in a touching show of solidarity. The move comes after Deschamps missed the final group stage match in France to be with his family following the death of his mother.
Mbappé. “There are things more important than a World Cup”
Speaking after the match, Mbappé explained why celebrating with Deschamps was more important than any personal milestone.“There are things more important than a World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappé told reporters, as quoted by USA Today.The France skipper emphasized that the team wants to stand firmly behind their coach in one of the most difficult moments of his life.“But as I said, it is in the DNA of this group to be together, to really be united. We are all behind the coach, no matter what happens, no matter what happens. We are all behind him, and we want him to know that he is not alone,” he said.France defender Malo Gusto echoed the captain’s sentiments, saying the players want to repay the faith Deschamps has always shown them.“I think that is important. I think Kylian did that to support our coach.The emotional scenes capped off another outstanding performance from Mbappé, who scored twice as France comfortably advanced to the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Deschamps was touched by the captain’s gesture
Deschamps admitted that Mbappé’s celebration touched him deeply and praised the solidarity shown by his players in his absence.“Kylian’s gesture touched me a lot. He has been an example from the first day. The group is united, and they did what was necessary when I was not there. The spirit of the team does not win the games, but it will certainly defeat 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 it when things are going well,” he said.Deschamps also confirmed 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’ remarkable coaching career, making him the manager with the most knockout-stage wins in FIFA World Cup history with nine.