Didier Deschamps announced France’s 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappe set to lead the team in what will be Deschamps’ final major tournament as national coach.
France will head into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a squad that mixes experienced stars and rising young talents.
Mbappe to Captain France
Mbappe recently recovered from a thigh injury that affected the final phase of his season with Real Madrid. Despite the setback, he is expected to captain France at the World Cup.
The French attack looks strong and includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue from Paris Saint-Germain, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and Rayan Cherki from Manchester City, who is preparing for his first World Cup appearance.
Deschamps Focuses on Team Balance
While revealing the squad, Deschamps stressed that team balance mattered more than simply selecting the biggest names. “It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together," Deschamps told French TV channel TF1.
He later added: “The overriding and essential criterion (for selection) is a sporting one."
France Among Tournament Favourites
France won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and once again enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders. However, Deschamps refused to label his side as the clear favourite.
“France are first in the FIFA rankings, but are we more favourites than Spain, Portugal, Germany, England, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco?" he said.
“I know there are expectations. But we’ll have some tough opponents in our first three matches. Let’s focus on the first one."
Defence and Midfield Packed With Experience
The squad features several experienced defenders, including William Saliba of Arsenal, Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace.
Goalkeeper Robin Risser received his first senior call-up after impressing in Ligue 1 with Lens. The midfield unit includes experienced names such as N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Camavinga Among Big Names Left Out
One of the biggest surprises was the omission of Eduardo Camavinga. Lucas Chevalier from PSG also failed to make the squad. Speaking about Camavinga’s exclusion, Deschamps said: “I can imagine how disappointed he (Camavinga) must be."
France’s Group Stage Schedule
France will open their Group I campaign against Senegal national football team on June 16. They will then face Iraq national football team and Norway national football team in the group stage.
Reflecting on his final tournament in charge of France, Deschamps said: “The World Cup is the most important thing."
France’s FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram