N'Golo Kanté is yet to feature for France in the World Cup, with Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaïre-Emery also waiting.
On 29 June 2026, the trio remained on the sidelines.
What happened?
N'Golo Kanté was introduced in the 90th minute of the final warm-up match.
This gesture by Deschamps was seen as affection and thanks by L'Équipe.
Why it matters for N'Golo Kanté
Kanté's conduct has been exemplary, covering ground and training with full intensity.
He keeps it simple to lift his teammates.
What comes next?
Deschamps knows he can turn to Kanté, including if he moves to three in midfield.
Kanté is unchanged whether he plays or not.
Kanté did not take offence when he was not brought on against Norway.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was chosen instead after his aborted AC Milan move.
Hernandez has accepted he would not start and is determined to savour a third World Cup.
He points to 2018, when he took the left-back spot.
At Bentley University in the United States, Hernandez's focus has been evident.
Kanté has matched it, training with full intensity.
The wait may be long, yet none of the trio shows any sign of weariness.
Deschamps hugged Kanté before introducing him in the 90th minute.
Kanté is reserved by nature, but Deschamps knows he can rely on him.
The 2018 champion did not take offence when he was not brought on.
Zaïre-Emery could feel aggrieved after a Champions League final spent on the bench.
But he shows nothing, and Deschamps knows he can turn to him.
The trio's spirits remain high, despite not featuring yet.
They are waiting for their chance to make an impact.
On 29 June 2026, the France team was in high spirits.
N'Golo Kanté, Lucas Hernandez, and Warren Zaïre-Emery were waiting for their chance.