Eduardo Camavinga, 23, was omitted from France’s 2026 World Cup squad by coach Didier Deschamps, citing competition, injuries, and the midfielder’s recent season form as reasons for the exclusion[ s1,s2,s3]. Deschamps said, "His season, of course. A few injuries as well. And the competition, which is very, very tough. I'm not questioning his potential or what he's capable of. But he's entitled to be angry with me, I understand that." [1]
While the French squad prepared at their Massachusetts base just five miles (8 km) from Harvard University, Camavinga enrolled in a brief course at Harvard Business School focused on the business of entertainment, media, and sports[ s1,s2,s3]. On June 6, Camavinga posted on Instagram about his experience, calling it "A few days of learning, listening and growing." [2, 1, 3]
Camavinga has made 29 appearances for France since his senior debut in 2020, including 49 minutes as a substitute in the 2022 World Cup final[ s1,s2,s3]. The midfielder finished the 2025-26 club season mostly on the bench at Real Madrid, making 43 appearances and winning two Champions League titles with the club[ s2].
The French national team arrived at their World Cup base in Massachusetts as Camavinga studied nearby in Cambridge[ s1,s2,s3]. France’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Senegal is scheduled for June 16, 2026[ s1,s2,s3].
Camavinga’s brief Harvard course coincided with France's World Cup preparation, marking a unique detour for the young player after missing out on the tournament squad.
