June 1st-8th, 2030 - Buenos Aires Training Camp
France's training camp was based at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The atmosphere was different from previous World Cups—more relaxed, more experienced, more confident.
This squad had won in 2026. They knew how to do this.
Deschamps kept the tactical approach simple: 4-3-3 formation, high press, quick transitions. Ethan and Mbappé as dual forwards with Thuram supporting. Camavinga-Tchouaméni-Zaïre-Emery in midfield providing balance.
"We don't need to reinvent football," Deschamps said at the first team meeting. "We're France. We have the best players. We play our game, we win matches."
The squad chemistry was excellent. Most players had been together for years. The young talents like Zaïre-Emery blended seamlessly with veterans like Ethan and Theo Hernández.
During one training session, Mbappé approached Ethan during a water break.
"Is this really your last World Cup?" Kylian asked.
"Yes. After this, one more club season, then I'm done."
"Thirty-two is young to retire."
"For most players, yes. But I've played professionally since I was sixteen. That's sixteen years at the highest level. My body's tired. My mind's tired. And I have a son who needs his father."
Mbappé nodded. "I respect that. But it's strange thinking about France without you."
"You'll be fine. You'll be the leader. Captain in 2034. The team will be yours."
"That's a lot of pressure."
Ethan laughed. "You have seven Ballon d'Ors. You've been handling pressure your entire career. You'll be great."
Wait. Seven Ballon d'Ors? Had Mbappé caught up that much?
Actually, checking the mental records: Mbappé had won in 2023, 2024, 2025, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Six total. Ethan still led 8-6.
"Six Ballon d'Ors," Ethan corrected. "But the point stands. You're ready to lead France."
"Only if we win this one together first."
"Deal."
June 9th, 2030 - France vs Mexico (Group Stage, Match 1)
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay
The World Cup 2030 kicked off with a ceremonial opening match at the Estadio Centenario—the site of the first-ever World Cup final in 1930. FIFA's tribute to history.
France's Group C included Mexico, Denmark, and South Africa. Not the "Group of Death," but not easy either.
France Starting XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Zaïre-Emery; Mbappé, Loki, Thuram
The match started aggressively. Mexico pressed high, trying to disrupt France's buildup. It worked initially—France looked uncomfortable for the first twenty minutes.
Then Ethan took over.
22nd minute: Ethan received the ball thirty yards out, turned, and immediately saw Mbappé's run behind the defense. Perfect through ball. Mbappé one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Finish. 1-0 France.
38th minute: Corner kick for France. Ethan took it short to Zaïre-Emery, who laid it back. Ethan curled it toward the back post. Saliba headed it in. 2-0 France.
67th minute: Counter-attack. Camavinga won possession in midfield and immediately found Ethan. Ethan drove forward, played a one-two with Thuram, and slotted it past the goalkeeper. 3-0 France.
Final Score: France 3-0 Mexico
Ethan: 1 goal, 2 assists
A professional performance. France controlled the match completely once they settled in.
At the post-match press conference, Ethan was asked about his assist to Mbappé:
"That pass was from thirty yards. How did you see that run?"
"Experience. Playing with Kylian for years. I know how he moves. I know when he's going to accelerate. It becomes instinct."
"You're playing like someone in their prime, not someone about to retire."
"I'm twenty-nine. I am in my prime. The retirement is about choosing family, not about declining ability."
"Do you think France can win three World Cups in four tournaments?"
"Yes. We have the squad. We have the experience. We just need to execute."
June 14th, 2030 - France vs Denmark (Group Stage, Match 2)
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Denmark were a solid team—organized defensively, dangerous on set pieces. France would need to be patient.
The match was cagey. Denmark sat deep, content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. France dominated possession (68%) but created few clear chances.
52nd minute: The breakthrough. Ethan dropped deep to receive the ball, turned, and immediately played a diagonal pass to Theo Hernández overlapping on the left. Theo crossed low. Thuram finished. 1-0 France.
81st minute: Denmark equalized from a corner. Saliba failed to clear properly, and Denmark's striker pounced. 1-1.
Disaster. France risked dropping points.
89th minute: Ethan took matters into his own hands. He received the ball on the edge of the box, faked the shot, cut inside past two defenders, and curled it into the top corner with his right foot.
2-1 France.
Camp Nou-level magic. World Cup stage.
The stadium erupted. Ethan didn't celebrate extravagantly—just raised his fist and jogged back to the halfway line. Professional. Focused.
Final Score: France 2-1 Denmark
Ethan: 1 goal, 1 assist
Six points from two matches. France were through to the Round of 16 already.
That night, Ethan FaceTimed Sofia and Lucas.
"Dada! I saw you on TV!" Lucas shouted, his face filling the screen.
"You did? Did you see my goal?"
"The one where you spinned?"
"Yes! That one!"
"It was cool! You're so fast!"
"Thank you, mijo. I miss you."
"I miss you too. When you come home?"
"A few more weeks. But I'll be home soon. I promise."
After Lucas went to bed (it was bedtime in Barcelona), Ethan talked with Sofia alone.
"That goal was special," she said. "Vintage Ethan Loki."
"I'm playing well. Better than I expected, honestly. I thought I'd be more tired at this stage."
"You're motivated. This is your last World Cup. You're leaving everything on the field."
"That's the plan. No regrets."
"Just don't get injured. Lucas needs you in one piece when you come home."
"I'll be careful. Promise."
June 19th, 2030 - France vs South Africa (Group Stage, Match 3)
Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
With qualification already secured, Deschamps rotated the squad heavily. Ethan started on the bench—his first World Cup match ever not starting.
It felt strange watching from the sidelines. But also liberating. He could observe the team from a different perspective.
France fielded a heavily rotated XI with young players getting minutes. They struggled initially against South Africa's physicality but eventually found their rhythm.
61st minute: Deschamps brought on Ethan, Mbappé, and Tchouaméni. The match was 0-0. France needed a goal to win the group.
73rd minute: Ethan's first touch was a defense-splitting pass to Mbappé. Kylian rounded the goalkeeper and scored. 1-0 France.
85th minute: Ethan added a second, finishing a cutback from Thuram. 2-0 France.
Final Score: France 2-0 South Africa
Group C Final Standings:
France - 9 points Denmark - 4 points Mexico - 3 points South Africa - 0 points
Perfect group stage. Three wins. Eight goals scored, one conceded. France were peaking at the right time.
June 25th, 2030 - Round of 16: France vs Colombia
Estadio Más Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The knockout rounds began. Colombia were a dangerous opponent—fast, technical, defensively solid. Led by Luis Díaz (now at Real Madrid) and James Rodríguez (still playing at 38, somehow).
This would be a test.
France Starting XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Zaïre-Emery; Mbappé, Loki, Thuram
The match started intensely. Colombia pressed high, disrupting France's rhythm. The South American crowd heavily favored Colombia, creating a hostile atmosphere.
31st minute: Colombia took the lead. Luis Díaz cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner. Colombia 1-0.
France were rattled. This wasn't supposed to happen.
43rd minute: Just before halftime, France equalized. Ethan received the ball in midfield, played a quick one-two with Zaïre-Emery, and threaded a perfect through ball to Mbappé. Kylian finished clinically. 1-1.
Halftime: Colombia 1-1 France
In the locker room, Deschamps was calm but firm:
"They're playing well. Credit to them. But we're better. We need to control the midfield better. Tchouaméni, sit deeper. Camavinga, push forward more. Ethan, drop deeper to help build. We adjust, we win."
The second half was a battle. Both teams created chances. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves.
78th minute: The decisive moment. France won a free kick twenty-five yards out. Central position. Ethan's range.
He stepped up. The stadium fell silent (except for the French fans).
Ethan struck it perfectly. Top left corner. The goalkeeper dove but had no chance.
France 2-1.
The French fans erupted. Ethan sprinted to the corner flag, sliding on his knees. Mbappé and Thuram piled on top of him.
Final Score: France 2-1 Colombia
Ethan: 1 goal, 1 assist
France were through to the quarterfinals. But barely. Colombia had pushed them to the limit.
July 1st, 2030 - Quarterfinal: France vs England
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The grudge match. France vs England. History. Rivalry. Drama.
England were strong this tournament. Led by Jude Bellingham (now at Liverpool), Phil Foden (Manchester City), and Harry Kane (still at Bayern Munich, still chasing trophies).
This would be France's toughest test yet.
The buildup was intense. English media confident their time had come. French media equally confident in France's superiority.
France Starting XI: (same as Colombia match) England Starting XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane
The match started at a frantic pace. Both teams attacked aggressively. End-to-end football. The crowd loved it.
18th minute: England took the lead. Bellingham played a brilliant through ball to Kane, who finished past Maignan. England 1-0.
The English fans in the stadium went wild. Could this finally be England's year?
29th minute: France equalized. Ethan dropped deep, received the ball, and immediately launched a counter-attack. He played a long diagonal to Mbappé on the right wing. Mbappé drove forward and crossed low. Thuram tapped it in. 1-1.
41st minute: France took the lead. Corner kick. Ethan's delivery curled perfectly to the back post. Saliba powered a header past Pickford. France 2-1.
Halftime: France 2-1 England
The second half was a war. England pushed desperately for an equalizer. France defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter.
68th minute: England's equalizer. Foden received the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside, and curled it into the far corner. Brilliant goal. 2-2.
The momentum shifted. England were surging.
82nd minute: The moment that decided the match. France won a penalty. Ethan was fouled by Rice in the box. Clear penalty.
Ethan stepped up to take it. The pressure was immense. Quarterfinal. Tied 2-2. France's World Cup on his shoulders.
He placed the ball. Stepped back. Took a deep breath.
Ran up. Struck it low to the right.
Pickford dove the right way but couldn't reach it.
France 3-2.
Ethan didn't celebrate wildly. Just pointed to the sky and jogged back. Professional.
England pushed desperately in the final minutes but France held on.
Final Score: France 3-2 England
Ethan: 1 goal, 1 assist, won the penalty
France were through to the semifinals. For the third consecutive World Cup.
After the match, English media blamed the penalty decision (it was clearly correct). French media celebrated Ethan's ice-cold finish under pressure.
Kane was devastated in his post-match interview: "We gave everything. Sometimes it's just not meant to be."
Ethan was more gracious: "England were excellent. They pushed us to our limit. On another day, they win that match. We were fortunate."
July 6th, 2030 - Semifinal: France vs Brazil
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ultimate test. France vs Brazil. In South America. For a place in the World Cup final.
Brazil were the tournament favorites. Home continent. Brilliant squad. Led by Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Rodrygo (Manchester City), and Endrick (now 23, at Barcelona with Ethan).
The atmosphere was electric. The stadium was 80% Brazilian fans. The noise was deafening.
France Starting XI: (same) Brazil Starting XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Renan Lodi; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinícius; Richarlison
The match started aggressively. Brazil attacked with intensity, feeding off the crowd's energy. France struggled to cope initially.
12th minute: Brazil took the lead. Vinícius received the ball on the left, cut inside past Koundé, and curled a shot into the top corner. Unstoppable. Brazil 1-0.
The stadium exploded. Brazil were dominating. France were in trouble.
35th minute: Brazil doubled their lead. Endrick received a through ball from Bruno Guimarães, rounded Maignan, and slotted it in. Brazil 2-0.
Disaster. France were being dismantled.
Halftime: Brazil 2-0 France
In the locker room, Deschamps made changes:
"We're too passive. Too reactive. We need to press higher. Ethan, you're dropping too deep. Stay higher. Mbappé, stretch them vertically. We're not done. We can come back."
The team believed him. They'd been in difficult situations before.
53rd minute: France pulled one back. Theo Hernández drove forward on the left and crossed. Thuram headed it down. Ethan was there to finish. Brazil 2-1.
Game on.
64th minute: The equalizer. Ethan received the ball on the edge of the box, turned Casemiro with a brilliant touch, and curled it past Alisson. Brazil 2-2.
The French fans erupted. The momentum had completely shifted.
79th minute: The winner. Mbappé received a long ball from Tchouaméni, used his pace to get past Marquinhos, and squared it to Ethan for a tap-in. France 3-2.
Unbelievable. France had come back from 2-0 down against Brazil in South America.
Brazil pushed desperately but France's defense held firm. Maignan made two crucial saves in stoppage time.
Final Score: France 3-2 Brazil
Ethan: 2 goals, hat-trick hero
France were through to the World Cup final. For the third consecutive tournament.
The post-match scenes were emotional. Brazilian fans devastated. French fans ecstatic.
Ethan was interviewed on the pitch, still catching his breath:
"How did you come back from 2-0 down?"
"Belief. Experience. We've been in these situations before. We never stopped believing we could win."
"You scored twice to complete the comeback. How are you feeling?"
"Exhausted. Grateful. Proud of this team. We showed incredible character today."
"You're one match away from three World Cups. How does that feel?"
Ethan paused, letting the magnitude sink in.
"Surreal. Three World Cups would put me alongside Pelé. That's legendary company. But I'm trying not to think about it. One more match. That's all that matters."
July 10th-13th - Final Preparation
The World Cup final would be played on July 14th—Bastille Day, France's national holiday. Perfect timing.
France vs Argentina. In Buenos Aires. At Argentina's iconic stadium.
Argentina had won their semifinal against Germany 3-1. Led by a new generation—no Messi (retired), no Di María (retired), but brilliant young players carrying the torch.
The buildup was intense. Argentina were the sentimental favorites—home continent, legacy of Maradona and Messi, national pride.
France were the clinical favorites—better squad, more experience, defending champions.
Ethan spent the preparation days focused and calm. He FaceTimed Lucas and Sofia daily, drawing strength from family.
"Dada, you gonna win?" Lucas asked during one call.
"I'm going to try my best, mijo."
"I think you gonna win. You're the best player."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
Sofia watched the exchange with tears in her eyes. These moments—this connection—this was what mattered most.
July 14th, 2030 - World Cup Final: France vs Argentina
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The day arrived. Bastille Day. The World Cup final. France vs Argentina.
The stadium was a sea of blue and white—Argentina's colors. The French fans were vastly outnumbered but made themselves heard.
France Starting XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Zaïre-Emery; Mbappé, Loki, Thuram
Argentina Starting XI: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Garnacho
The atmosphere was electric. The noise was deafening. This was everything a World Cup final should be.
The match kicked off.
To be continued in the second half of Chapter 88...