Deschamps Eager for Mbappe and Haaland Showdown in World Cup Draw

France manager Didier Deschamps is anticipating an intense battle between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, after his team was placed in the same group as Norway during Fridays draw for the 2026 World Cup.

"It promises to be a superb contest," Deschamps remarked to journalists in Washington, where France drew Norway and Senegal in what seems a formidable Group I.

"Each squad features plenty of other prominent talents, but undoubtedly Kylian and Haaland are globally acclaimed players and strong candidates for the leading goalscorer award."

Mbappe has notched 30 goals across 24 matches for Real Madrid and France since the seasons start, in contrast Haaland has struck 33 times in 24 games for Manchester City and Norway.

Haaland contributions propelled Norway to the top of their qualification section ahead of Italy, marking their return to the World Cup finals since 1998.

France seek a third World Cup triumph to atone for their 2022 final loss on penalties against Argentina in Qatar.

Group I will feature the victor from an intercontinental playoff set for March, involving teams from Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.

Encountering Senegal stirs memories of 2002, when France entered the tournament in Japan and South Korea as champions yet fell to the West African team in their opener and failed to advance beyond the group phase.

"Each World Cup crafts its own narrative and we must ensure this edition is as memorable as possible," Deschamps continued, revealing he will depart after the event concluding his 14 year tenure with Les Bleus.

Should France lead their group, they face one of the strongest third placed sides in the round of 32, though Germany may await them in the last 16 thereafter.

"As France, we hold a certain prestige with significant expectations, yet respect and humility are essential from the outset," Deschamps noted.

"Rather than fixating on the peak, we must ascend steadily, as the early stages prove challenging."