Emmanuel Macron to Visit France national football team Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to French media outlet RMC Sport, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Clairefontaine National Football Centre training base on Tuesday, June 2, to meet the France national football team.

The visit is part of a long-standing tradition aimed at encouraging the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Élysée Palace confirmed that, in keeping with the customary arrangements before major international tournaments, Macron will visit Clairefontaine on June 2 to greet head coach Didier Deschamps and the entire French squad. France are scheduled to depart for the World Cup on June 10.

Last Friday, Macron also attended the Coupe de France final at Stade de France, where Lens defeated Nice 3-1 to win the competition for the first time in club history.

The presidential visit has become a tradition for the French national team, with every French president typically meeting the squad before major international tournaments. Macron himself is a passionate football fan, and his emotional celebrations during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph were seen around the world.

This World Cup also carries special significance, as it will be Deschamps’ final World Cup in charge of France, as well as the last major international tournament France will participate in during Macron’s presidency before the next French presidential election.

France have been drawn into Group I for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Senegal national football team, Iraq national football team, and Norway national football team.

Group Stage Fixtures:
June 17, 03:00 — France vs Senegal (MetLife Stadium)
June 23, 05:00 — France vs Iraq (Lincoln Financial Field)
June 27, 03:00 — Norway vs France (Gillette Stadium)