France lose appeal against Olise’s yellow card in Paraguay World Cup clash | World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026: France Coach Deschamps Addresses Olise’s Yellow Card Appeal
Published: July 8, 2026
France coach Didier Deschamps announced that FIFA has rejected an appeal regarding a yellow card issued to player Michael Olise during the team’s Round of 16 victory against Paraguay.
Deschamps confirmed the ruling to reporters in Foxborough on Wednesday, a day before France’s quarterfinal match against Morocco at Boston Stadium. “The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning; it has been maintained,” he stated.
Olise, who has emerged as a key player in the tournament, received the booking in the closing moments of the match in Philadelphia after an incident involving Paraguay’s Matias Galarza. Video replays indicated minimal contact occurred, but Olise was penalized after Galarza fell to the ground claiming a face injury.
The decision to uphold the yellow card places Olise at risk of suspension; a further caution against Morocco would prevent him from participating in a potential semifinal against either Spain or Belgium. Teammates Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone also face similar risks after being cautioned in the match against Paraguay.
Deschamps reported that midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is recovering well from a thigh injury that sidelined him in the previous match. “Aurelien is doing better. I can’t say more than that. He will maybe take part in training today, but I will need to see. The others are all available,” he explained.
As the match approaches, Deschamps addressed the appointment of Argentinian referee Facundo Tello, following a contentious final between France and Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, which Argentina won on penalties. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the game rather than the officiating. “There is nothing I can do about refereeing appointments. I just try to have confidence in the officials,” Deschamps said.
The coach, who led France to World Cup victory in 2018, will step down at the conclusion of the tournament. Thursday’s match, a repeat of the 2022 semifinal, may mark his final game in charge if France is eliminated.
“I am not thinking about that at all,” he said. “In my head, with my staff, the objective is just to do everything we can so that things go well. I am focused on this Morocco team and on things going well for us.”