France coach unhappy with Argentina, other South American countries hosting 2030 World Cup

France coach Didier Deschamps | Imago

France coach unhappy with Argentina, other South American countries hosting 2030 World Cup

Ayoola Kelechi 23:30 - 09.10.2023

After losing the final of the 2022 World Cup to Argentina, France coach Didier Deschamps believes they, along with other South American countries should not be allowed to host matches in the 2030 edition of the tournament

Didier Deschamps, manager of the French national team, has voiced concerns about teams in South America getting to host some matches at the 2030 World Cup. 

France manager questions World Cup decision

Deschamps is one of the few men to lift the World Cup trophy as both player and manager after captaining France to the title in 1998 and winning the tournament again as manager of Les Bleus in 2018. 

The former Monaco manager also reached the final of the 2022 edition of the World Cup against Argentina and believes the country he lost the title to should not be allowed to host their own matches at the 2030 World Cup. 

Didier Deschamps with the 2018 world cup trophy | Imago
Didier Deschamps with the 2018 world cup trophy | Imago

Spain, Morocco, and Portugal won the right to host the 2030 World Cup. Still, the South American contingent of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will also be allowed to host commemorative matches to mark the centenary celebrations of the competition. 

Deschamps not in support of South American hosting

Deschamps believes that allowing six countries to host the World Cup is a mistake, especially for the logistics of the teams that will have to travel to South America. 

The former national team captain said in a press conference ahead of the international break, “Beyond the fact that it’s a trend. organising it over multiple countries, there is also the distinctive aspect of matches being held on the continent of South America. 

“I don’t know which countries will be involved, it will mean that the South American countries will be at an advantage and then the other countries will have to move around. 

Didier Deschamps was on the losing side of the 2004 UEFA Champions League final with Monaco | Imago
Didier Deschamps was on the losing side of the 2004 UEFA Champions League final with Monaco | Imago

“I don’t know who makes the decisions, but I won’t hide from you the fact that I like things that are, on a sporting and ethical level, coherent. I don’t think there is much coherence there.” 

Deschamps has been at the helm of the France national team since 2012 and is set to be the manager until 2026 at least after signing a new contract following the 2022 World Cup. 

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