In a shocking statement after the qualification match for the 2026 World Cup against Iceland (2-1) at the Parc des Princes on September 9, 2025, Didier Deschamps, coach of the French team, officially excluded a Paris Saint-Germain player from the departure composition for the next games. This decision, which amazed supporters and analysts, concernsBradley Barcola, whose attitude in the field would have been deemed unacceptable by the technician. Deschamps, visibly furious, denounced a behavior that he considers to have “humiliated the national team” during the meeting against Iceland.

The match, rightly won thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Barcola himself, revealed underlying tensions. According to sources close to the team, Deschamps allegedly criticized Barcola a lack of defensive commitment and an individualistic attitude, especially after an argument with a teammate during a defensive replacement. “I will not tolerate this kind of behavior. The French team requires respect and discipline,” said Deschamps at a press conference, according toThe team. This exclusion comes in a context already tense between Deschamps and PSG, after the controversial injuries of Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué in the previous match against Ukraine (2-0).

Barcola, 22, was however one of the Parisians in good shape, marked against Iceland and shone in Ligue 1 this season. His sudden exclusion sparked a wave of reactions on social networks, where fans wonder about the real reasons for this sanction. Some points to the growing pressure exerted by PSG on Deschamps, while others believe that the coach wants to impose a strict discipline before the 2026 World Cup. “It’s hard, but Deschamps is right to clarify,” wrote a supporter on X.

While the Blues occupy the head of their qualification group with six points, this decision could have repercussions on the harmony of the team. Deschamps, faithful to his intransigent style, seems ready to do anything to maintain unity and requirement within the Blues. It remains to be seen whether Barcola will regain the confidence of his coach, or if this scandal will mark a turning point in his international career.