France national team manager Didier Deschamps has expressed his frustration with the logistical challenges and “unprecedented” security measures that Les Bleus have faced during their tour of the United States. In a statement before Sunday’s friendly against Colombia, the 2018 world champion highlighted the difficulties that international teams face when dealing with American infrastructure.
Logistical nightmares in the United States
Deschamps has not been impressed by the strict security protocols at US airports. The coach, who is fine-tuning his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, admitted that the intensity of the controls was beyond what he has previously experienced in his long career.
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In a press conference before Sunday’s game against Colombia in Maryland, Deschamps revealed his shock at the strict protocols they faced upon arrival. “On arrival, we spent an incredible amount of time at the airport, with controls the likes of which I have never seen in my life. We are adapting,” the coach explained to reporters.
Travel times and tournament preparations
The current gathering is being treated as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Championships, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Although the team has enjoyed the cooler temperatures in this window, Deschamps is well aware that the long distances and travel times will be a big factor when the tournament starts in June. “In terms of temperature, we are fine. We have problems that I knew about and are still there, especially in terms of travel time,” Deschamps noted.
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Adapting to the American environment
The French coaching staff, including assistant Guy Stephan, have already been on site inspections and have spoken to players who participated in the Club World Cup to gather information. Deschamps is concerned about the distance between training facilities and match venues, pointing out that media commitments alone can mean a journey of 45 minutes each way.
“The fact that we’ve been to Boston is a more important dress rehearsal for us, because we’re going to be there,” Deschamps explained. “I was there with Guy Stephan for the semi-finals and the final of the Club World Cup, to have spoken to the players who were there. There are different situations that lead to more or less complications. We must make sure to limit them and adapt. There will be extra heat this summer, and recovery will be important. But the media obligations are at the match stadium, which is 45 minutes from the training ground. If you play at 15.00 or 17.00, it is not many hours before. At 21.00 we can handle it. We will adapt and do our best to spend less energy on everything that happens off the pitch.”
Important tests before the final squad
Thursday’s win at Gillette Stadium against Brazil has already given a taste of what is to come, as Les Bleus will return to the same arena to face Norway in their group stage match on June 26. The next friendly against Colombia serves as the last opportunity for Deschamps to assess his squad before announcing the final list for the summer.
