The German national team’s early exit from the World Cup is also on Dayot Upamecano’s mind. The Bayern defender expressed disappointment that the potential matchup between France and Germany did not materialize.
In a surprise upset, the German national team was eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. This also dashed hopes for a potential prestige match against France, which comfortably qualified for the next round.
Dayot Upamecano would have liked to see that matchup. Following the Équipe Tricolore’s 3-0 victory over Sweden, the Bayern pro spoke to Sky about the DFB team’s elimination.
“I would have liked to play against Germany.”
The French national team player expressed regret over his neighboring country’s early exit from the tournament. “I would have liked to play against Germany. Unfortunately, they’re out. That’s soccer. Now they have to keep their heads up and just move on,” Upamecano explained.
After Germany’s 3–4 loss to Paraguay in a penalty shootout, a potential matchup with France was no longer possible.
The center back also sent a clear message to his German teammates at FC Bayern. “I send my regards to all the German national team players at FC Bayern. As soon as we’re back at FC Bayern, we’ll get right back to work and give it our all. And I hope we win it all.”
With that, the 27-year-old made it clear that, after the World Cup, the focus should quickly return to their shared goals in Munich.
France remains among the favorites
While the World Cup is already over for Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Jonathan Tah, and the rest of the team, Upamecano continues to fight for the title.
France once again showed strong form in its 3-0 win over Sweden and remains among the top favorites to win the World Cup.
For Upamecano, the focus is now on the knockout stage—before he joins his Bayern teammates in preparing for the new season after the tournament.