Concerns surrounding Dembélé in the French team after a difficult World Cup start
France won 3-1 against Senegal on its 2026 World Cup debut. Kylian Mbappé was the star with two goals. However, the match also brought concerns: Ousmane Dembélé again looked pale in the French team, which led to strong criticism from former international Eric di Meco. The discussion is flaring up about Dembélé's proper role in the national team, especially now that the attack mainly revolves around Mbappé.
France started the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal. Kylian Mbappé scored two goals and led Les Bleus to three important points in their opening match. Yet the French camp did not only experience joy after the final whistle; Ousmane Dembélé's performance actually gave rise to discussion.
Dembélé, attacker of Paris Saint-Germain and winner of the Ballon d'Or, was again unable to convince in the France shirt. His performance was described as 'mediocre' and attracted strong criticism. Former international Eric di Meco, former player of Olympique Marseille and AS Monaco, expressed his concerns to RMC: "There is a real problem with Dembélé in the French team. His performances are poor and he has not yet achieved a single decisive match. Even when he plays behind Mbappé, he is struggling."
Di Meco also pointed out that it is unlikely that the French team will ever be built around Dembélé: "That will never happen. At PSG everything revolves around Mbappé, and the same applies to France: the team is built around Mbappé. Dembélé will have to earn status himself, but the game against Senegal raises many questions about his contribution."
With these criticisms, expectations for Dembélé increase in the next matches. The French team hopes for a quick recovery of form and better teamwork in attack, because in a tournament like the World Cup, every match is crucial.
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