By using this website you agree that we use cookies. You can find out more in the privacy policy.

Arizona Tribune - France boss Deschamps would prefer to 'avoid playing' on Paris attacks anniversary

Arizona Tribune
×
NYSE - LSE
SCS 0.12% 16.14 $
NGG 0.39% 76.41 $
CMSC -0.22% 23.12 $
BP 0.59% 34.14 $
BCE -0.48% 22.73 $
GSK -0.04% 48.59 $
BCC -0.73% 74.23 $
AZN 0.21% 91.55 $
CMSD -0.22% 23.2 $
BTI 0.56% 56.77 $
RIO 2.22% 80.1 $
RBGPF 0% 80.22 $
RYCEF -2.08% 15.36 $
JRI -0.07% 13.37 $
VOD 0.31% 12.88 $
RELX 0.61% 40.98 $
France boss Deschamps would prefer to 'avoid playing' on Paris attacks anniversary
France boss Deschamps would prefer to 'avoid playing' on Paris attacks anniversary / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP

France boss Deschamps would prefer to 'avoid playing' on Paris attacks anniversary

SPORTS 06.11.2025

Didier Deschamps said on Thursday that he would have preferred to "avoid playing" France's 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine on November 13, the date which will mark the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks.

Text size:

On November 13, 2015, a series of attacks in Paris and around the Stade de France during a friendly match between Les Bleus and Germany left a total of 130 people dead.

"It's a sensitive issue. Deep down, I think it would have been better if we could have avoided playing on November 13," the France coach told reporters at a press conference for his squad announcement ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.

"Was that possible? I don't have the answers, and it's not up to me."

Deschamps said the meeting with Ukraine will be "a special day marked with commemorations".

"Out of respect for the families who have suffered and lost loved ones, the duty of remembrance must always be respected. And there is a football match on that date which is very important for us," he added.

France top Group D with 10 points from four outings, three points ahead of Ukraine who they host on November 13 before travelling to Azerbaijan three days later.

O.Ortiz--AT

Featured

Key to probe England's 'stag-do' drinking on Ashes beach break

Key to probe England's 'stag-do' drinking on Ashes beach break
Thunder bounce back to down Grizzlies, Nuggets sink Jazz

Thunder bounce back to down Grizzlies, Nuggets sink Jazz
Purdy first 49er since Montana to throw five TDs as Colts beaten

Purdy first 49er since Montana to throw five TDs as Colts beaten
Australia captain Cummins out of rest of Ashes, Lyon to have surgery

Australia captain Cummins out of rest of Ashes, Lyon to have surgery