Désiré Doué admits World Cup race with Barcola heats up ahead of Paraguay clash

Désiré Doué has conceded ground to Bradley Barcola in France’s World Cup squad race ahead of Saturday’s last-16 meeting with Paraguay.

Barcola edges Doué after Senegal, Iraq and Sweden setbacks

Starting France’s opening World Cup win over Senegal (3-1) on 18 Jun 2026, Doué’s minutes have since dwindled. He watched from the bench as Barcola starred in the 3-0 drubbing of Iraq on 23 Jun, then again when Barcola scored in the 3-0 round-of-16 win over Sweden on 3 Jul. The ex-Rennes man now faces a fight for a starting berth against Paraguay on 19 Jul.

“No animosity” with Barcola

Speaking at a press conference on 11 Jul, Doué played down any tension. “If I will be a starter tomorrow? I don’t know,” he said. “We are in a group, it’s the World Cup, a separate competition. The coach makes his choices but all the players are important. There is no animosity with Bradley. We have a lot of qualities. We are different in terms of profiles. I have the ability to play in several positions, Bradley is more of a winger. He goes fast with and without the ball. I’m more comfortable in small spaces.”

Competition lifts the group

Doué stressed the rivalry fuels the squad. “Competition? It lifts us all up,” he said. “Defensively, we are very strong. We have very good midfielders and the best attackers in the world. The coach has created a group of 26 players where everyone has their role to play. I am ready and as soon as I can I give 100%.”

What comes next?

France’s World Cup campaign resumes on 19 Jul against Paraguay in the round of 16. Doué’s future role hinges on Didier Deschamps’ call. The ex-Lyon winger insists he’s prepared either way. “As soon as I can I give 100%,” he repeated. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time.