Godsent Ogbebor
Ousmane Dembélé Sets Sights on World Cup Glory After a Monumental 2025
In the world of football, some players are defined by their resilience, and Ousmane Dembélé has certainly earned that distinction. Following a stellar 2025 season that saw him named the world’s best men’s player, Dembélé is now setting his sights on World Cup glory in 2026. The French forward is determined to help Les Bleus reclaim their place at the pinnacle of international football after a heartbreaking loss to Argentina in the 2022 final.
“We know what it takes to go all the way,” Dembélé said in an exclusive interview, reflecting on France’s past World Cup successes and painful near-misses. “We’re going to try everything we can to bring the trophy home.” He added, “We’ve been talking about this World Cup for a long time now and I think we’ll be ready for the occasion.”
Having lifted the World Cup trophy in 2018, the French team fell just short four years later in Qatar. Yet, Dembélé is looking ahead to the upcoming tournament on US soil, viewing it as the ultimate opportunity for redemption and the chance to secure a third global title for his country.
Unlike in 2018, when France’s squad was dominated by experienced heads, the 2026 team under Didier Deschamps will see fresh faces stepping into leadership roles. Gone are veterans like Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, paving the way for a more youthful squad, with Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé among those leading the charge.
“There’ve been a huge number of changes,” Dembélé acknowledged, speaking about the new dynamics within the team. “We’ve got talented players who’ve adapted well to the style and squad. The French team will always play a leading role in this kind of tournament, so you’ll have to count on us.”
The upcoming World Cup will be a major test for the newly restructured team, which faces a tough group stage match against Norway, featuring Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. However, Dembélé’s focus is on France’s opening match of the tournament, a fixture against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium.
Born to Mauritanian-Senegalese and Malian parents, the game holds special significance for Dembélé. “I received a ton of messages after that,” he smiled, recalling the World Cup draw. “People told me to score an own goal against Senegal. Literally! There are several of us in this team who are Senegalese and French. It’s going to be a very beautiful match.”
Read also: Luis Díaz Brace and Red Card Inspire Bayern’s Champions League Win Over PSG
2025 was a breakthrough year for Dembélé, both personally and professionally. He played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic dominance, finishing as the league’s top scorer and helping his side secure a domestic double. His stellar performances were crucial to PSG’s historic victory in the Champions League, where they defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
The year was crowned with individual accolades, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or, followed by the FIFA Best Award and the Globe Soccer Award, further cementing his status among football’s elite.
Dembélé’s journey to the top has been anything but smooth. He burst onto the scene at Stade Rennais, earning France’s Young Player of the Year award before moving to Borussia Dortmund. However, his high-profile transfer to Barcelona was marred by injuries and unfulfilled expectations. At times, his career appeared derailed, but Dembélé remained resilient.
“I remember moments in my career when it was difficult, when I couldn’t give up,” he reflected. “It was mostly mental. I had a lot of things to deal with… But there you go, it’s your path, it’s destiny, it’s life. You just have to keep playing.”
His arrival at PSG in 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Under coach Luis Enrique, Dembélé thrived, contributing to the team’s success with a collective focus that eschewed individual stardom. This shift in mentality proved transformative for PSG, as they clinched six trophies in 2025, including the coveted Champions League.
“Every footballer wants to have a team that is collectively very strong. I take a lot of pleasure in this team,” Dembélé said, clearly proud of PSG’s achievements. “Everyone is important in this squad whether you’re young or a bit older.”
PSG continued their strong form into 2026, winning their fourth consecutive French Super Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Olympique de Marseille. With the domestic title race still tight, PSG remains focused on becoming the first team to win back to back Champions Leagues since Real Madrid.
Despite their successes, Dembélé and his teammates are far from complacent. The message is clear: PSG intends to remain at the top, and Dembélé is eager to lead the charge. “The philosophy of Paris Saint-Germain and the team isn’t going to change. We want to be a united team and, above all, a great team,” he concluded, with a determined tone.
Too Long To Read? READ THIS SUMMARY.
- Ousmane Dembélé targets World Cup glory in 2026 following a successful 2025 season with PSG.
- The French team is undergoing significant changes, with new faces and a shift towards a more youthful squad.
- Dembélé’s remarkable 2025 year included a domestic double with PSG and individual awards, such as the Ballon d’Or.
- PSG’s focus remains on collective success, with the team eyeing back to back Champions League titles.
- Dembélé remains determined to achieve further success on both the club and international stages.
