France head coach Didier Deschamps has urged his players to remain grounded ahead of their FIFA World Cup Group I opener on Tuesday.

Les Bleus are set to kick off their FIFA World Cup journey on Tuesday with a Group I showdown against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

France and Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside Iraq and Norway.

While acknowledging France’s status as one of the favourites, Deschamps emphasised that managing emotions and maintaining focus will be crucial, insisting there are many hurdles to overcome before anyone can begin thinking about a place in the World Cup final.

“The first match is very important but it’s not decisive. Starting with a win in a four-team group is ideal and always the objective,” Deschamps said.

“But the one thing we can’t measure or quantify is the emotional aspect. Some players might tense up with the atmosphere around the match.

“The ideal thing is to be focused but also relaxed.

“People are already talking about us being there on July 19 and I don’t really like that, not at all in fact,” he said late last month, referring to the date of the World Cup final.

“Yes we might be one of the best teams, but I know only too well that there are important steps before you can think about going that far.”