France held their first training session on American soil at Bentley University in Boston on 12 June, with stars Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise all participating as Les Bleus begin preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad arrived in Boston on Wednesday, settling into their base ahead of what is expected to be a demanding group-stage run.

France's Group-Stage Schedule

Coach Didier Deschamps and his squad face a packed opening stretch in the 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. France open their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on 16 June, before travelling to Philadelphia to face Iraq on 22 June. Their third group fixture comes on 26 June against Norway at Boston Stadium in Foxborough — a homecoming of sorts given their base in the city.

Adjusting to American Time Zones

The squad is working through the effects of jet lag as they acclimatise to their new surroundings. Goalkeeper Brice Samba acknowledged the challenge, saying: 'I think it varies from person to person; some people have more trouble adjusting quickly than others. I think it might take a day, two, or three to adjust.'

Samba added that the team had already begun adapting their routine: 'Starting yesterday, we started following the American schedule when it comes to meals, so little by little things will fall into place and we'll be adjusted to life here.'

Squad Reaction to the Boston Base

Defender Maxence Lacroix was effusive about the team's facilities at Bentley University. 'It's unbelievable. We are really happy to be here. It's going to be a beautiful adventure for us. And yeah, like we say, we are ready to play,' Lacroix said.

He also struck a note of caution about the competition ahead: 'I think we have to take it game by game. We have a really good team, of course, but we also have good opponents. In this World Cup, you have the best players in the world and the best teams. So we have to stay focused on ourselves and what we have.'

For Lacroix personally, the tournament carries deep significance. 'It's a big dream. It's like a Christmas gift. I'm really proud to be here and to represent my country,' he said.

Historic Ambition and Qatar's Shadow

France travel to North America with a historic ambition in their sights — to become only the second European nation to contest the World Cup final three times in succession, a feat previously achieved by West Germany between 1982 and 1990. They reached the final in both 2018 and 2022, winning in Russia and losing to Argentina in a memorable Qatar decider.

That painful defeat in Doha remains a motivating force within the squad, and Deschamps' men have arrived in the United States determined to go one step further. With Mbappe leading the attack and a formidable squad at their disposal, France are widely regarded as among the favourites for the tournament.