Emmanuel Macron Visits French National Football Teams Ahead of 2026 World Cup Kickoff

On June 2, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron and Sports Minister Marina Ferrari, visited the French national football teams at the Clairefontaine training center. The visit came just two weeks before France's men's team was set to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16.

Macron's visit followed a long-standing tradition of presidential engagement with the national teams before major tournaments. At Clairefontaine, he first met with the women's team, who are preparing for their 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Poland on June 5 and Ireland on June 9. Macron offered words of encouragement to the women's squad gearing up for these critical matches.

He then proceeded to the men's team meeting, greeted by prominent players including captain Kylian Mbappé and coach Didier Deschamps. Macron held a light conversation with Ousmane Dembélé, inquiring about his physical fitness and emotional state after PSG’s recent Champions League final victory. The visit featured a traditional group photo on the steps of Clairefontaine, marking a moment of unity and national pride.

Following this visit, the men's team was scheduled to play two friendly matches prior to the World Cup: against Côte d'Ivoire on June 8 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes and Northern Ireland on June 8 in Lille. They will then relocate to their World Cup base in Boston on June 10.

The French Football Federation’s president Philippe Diallo was also present during the visit, underlining the importance of this gathering ahead of the tournament. Macron’s interactions underscored the nation's support for both the men's and women's teams as they prepare for prestigious international competitions.