IMO, whether or not Smug should go depends on how much school he'll miss, if there are any critically important assignments due that he cannot work around, and how much time he can spend enjoying France itself outside of the tournament.
Speaking of the big picture, school > games. That's pretty clear cut. However, this is a trip to France we're talking about. It's not like he'd be going to Milwaukee, and it's not like this means he's dropping out of school.
One of the things that many Americans lack nowadays is a first had account of other countries and first hand experience with other cultures and ways of life. Experiencing that is probably more valuable an education than a few days of schooling.
I'm pretty sure he could work out a schedule with his professors to make up any work missed during his absence. Most professors would be understanding enough to facilitate a student's cultural education.
As long as he can work it out with his professors, he should totally go.