Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has disclosed that he’s determined to carve out a starting role for France at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Acknowledging the depth of the squad, the 23-year-old stated that his ambition is to play meaningful minutes rather than just sit on the bench.
Gusto also recognizes that Jules Koundé is currently the first-choice right-back under head coach Didier Deschamps.
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“We know we have a squad of very high quality and competition is important,” Gusto told reporters on Thursday.
“I know Jules starts. I came here to play, that’s why I’m here. The coach makes his choices. I’ll be ready whatever happens and I’ll give everything for the shirt whenever I’m on the pitch.”
“Honestly, I haven’t spoken to the coach yet. My role is mainly to be ready. I didn’t start the first match, so I have to stay focused and I know that when the coach puts me on the pitch, I’ll give everything and I’ll make sure I show that I can play and that I can be in the starting 11,” Gusto said.
“My mindset is that I’m in the squad and I want to play,” he said. “As a player, you want to take part. These are the competitions that drive me.”
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France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, though a sluggish first-half performance has opened the door for fringe players to prove their worth.
France is scheduled to face Iraq in Philadelphia for their next Group I fixture.
