Didier Deschamps said his team faced a "difficult course" to come through the qualifying campaign and secure their place at the World Cup.
France saw off Belarus with a 2-1 win on Tuesday to finish top of Group A ahead of Sweden, who advanced to the playoffs, and Netherlands, who crashed out.
Les Bleus' campaign included a defeat to Sweden and draws Luxembourg and Belarus, but Deschamps was glad to see his side come through the test.
"We had a difficult course, tonight the match was not simple either, but we reached our goal," Deschamps told TF1.
"I am obviously very happy for the players because they deserve it. We're happy, although I know it's logical and normal given the quality of the players I have."
Deschamps also credited the supporters at the Stade de France for helping see the team over the finish line against Belarus.
"For quite some time we have had an atmosphere that we have not always had, people come and are deep behind this team," Deschamps said.
"Tonight we did not do everything well, there may have been a little tension too and this Belarusian team did not let go.
"It is important to share [the celebration] with the people who come. The players feel that there is this popular enthusiasm. It has to keep going."