The French national team will face Iraq on Monday as part of the 2026 World Cup, and despite standing out in the recent victory over Senegal (3-1), Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been heavily criticized.
While the fans get excited and praise some, there is also the other side of the coin. Dembele, 29, has had a great season and has received praise since 2024, when his prime began to be recognized within the Parisian squad.
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Under the command of PSG coach Luis Enrique, the Frenchman managed to find his way to coexist harmoniously with the team, which propelled him to win the Ballon d’Or in September 2025, a feat that no one saw coming, and he won not only one but two Champions Leagues with the Rouge et Bleu.
However, everything that goes up must come down, and this time it has been the young player’s turn. In the match against Senegal, Dembele was criticized and compared because his performances with the French national team have not been the same as when he plays for PSG.
The role of PSG’s No. 10 in both teams is completely different, as highlighted by his friend and former teammate, Kylian Mbappé.
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At a press conference and in words collected by Canal Supporters, the Real Madrid forward defended Dembele against the media’s criticism, assuring that his friend did not have a bad match and highlighting his important participation in the first half.
I don’t know if Ousmane was less prominent. I have watched the match again twice. In the first half, he was the best attacker of the four. In the second half, Michael and I were decisive, but he was important. He is very calm; he is the Ballon d’Or winner.
– -Kylian Mbappe.
The captain of Les Bleus was clear: Dembele will be key for future matches with the French national team in this World Cup because his confidence and experience within the team will help him.
He has the confidence of the group and the coaching staff. He knows perfectly well how the French national team works. And we must not forget that he was injured at the end of the season. He will get stronger and will be a decisive player for us.
– -Kylian Mbappe.
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The PSG forward has been part of the national team since 2016, so he has plenty of experience. Although his performance declined in some years, he is now more prepared than ever.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Monday’s match against Iraq, France national team coach Didier Deschamps admitted it will not be an easy match and that they must not lower their guard.
Regarding Ousmane Dembele, Deschamps had a different opinion from Mbappe, stating that the forward suffered in the first half of the match but that everything was due to technical errors on their part, assuring that he does not have any physical issues, so he puts his faith in him to improve.
He has no pain. He comes from a season without regularity, but at Paris Saint-Germain, they managed him well. He has no obstacles; he needs more freedom. I am convinced that he will grow stronger.
– -Didier Deschamps.
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Now the Frenchman and his national team prepare for the big match they will face against a team that, although many consider small, in Didier’s words, could surprise them if they are not careful.
