By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 15 May 2026 - France national football team have officially unveiled their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with manager Didier Deschamps selecting a powerful blend of experienced stars, emerging talents, and proven tournament performers as Les Bleus prepare for another attempt at global glory.
The announcement was made on Thursday evening in France and immediately generated major discussion across the football world, with reigning finalists France once again viewed as one of the strongest contenders for the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
France have been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal national football team, Iraq national football team, and Norway national football team, a group that appears manageable on paper but one Deschamps insists should not be underestimated.
Speaking after announcing the squad, Deschamps warned against overconfidence despite France entering the tournament among the favorites.
“There are expectations and demands because we’ve won a lot of matches,” Deschamps said. “But this is the World Cup, the biggest competition of them all.”
The squad is once again headlined by Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to captain the national team during what could become one of the defining tournaments of his international career.
Despite concerns over a thigh injury suffered during the closing weeks of the season with Real Madrid CF, Mbappé has been declared fit enough for selection and remains the centerpiece of France’s attack.
Alongside him is an extraordinary attacking lineup that includes Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram, Rayan Cherki, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The inclusion of Cherki and Mateta has been among the biggest talking points following the announcement.
Cherki, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after joining Manchester City F.C., earns his first World Cup selection after a season filled with creativity and attacking brilliance. Meanwhile, Mateta’s inclusion comes ahead of several more established names after an impressive year that convinced Deschamps he offers a different attacking profile to the squad.
One of the most surprising omissions is Eduardo Camavinga.
The Real Madrid midfielder misses out after a difficult season disrupted by injuries and inconsistent form. Deschamps admitted the decision was difficult but explained that Camavinga’s lack of rhythm influenced the final selection.
Also absent are Randal Kolo Muani and Hugo Ekitiké, with injuries and form issues playing a role in their exclusion.
Defensively, France still possess one of the strongest back lines in international football.
The squad includes William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Theo Hernandez, and Lucas Hernandez, giving Deschamps enormous depth and flexibility across the defensive unit.
There was also a surprise call-up for Maxence Lacroix after a strong season with Crystal Palace F.C.. Deschamps praised the defender’s versatility and physical presence while explaining his decision.
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In midfield, France will rely heavily on Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, N'Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Manu Koné to provide balance between defensive stability and creativity.
Kanté’s inclusion carries particular emotional significance.
The veteran midfielder remains one of only four survivors from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, alongside Mbappé, Dembélé, and Lucas Hernandez. At 35 years old, Kanté brings enormous tournament experience and leadership to a squad still aiming to reclaim the trophy after their heartbreaking final defeat to Argentina in 2022.
Goalkeeping duties are expected to belong to Mike Maignan, who enters the tournament as France’s clear number one following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement. He will be supported by Brice Samba and the uncapped young goalkeeper Robin Risser, whose inclusion was one of the more unexpected selections in the squad.
This World Cup will also carry additional significance for Didier Deschamps personally.
The long-serving manager has already confirmed that he will step down after the tournament, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in French football history. Since taking charge in 2012, Deschamps has led France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final, and multiple deep tournament runs.
With the quality available across every area of the pitch, expectations around France remain enormous.
They possess elite experience, explosive attacking talent, defensive depth, and players accustomed to competing at the very highest level of European football. Many analysts already consider Les Bleus among the top favorites to lift the trophy in North America next month.
France’s full 26-man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
Defenders:
Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix
Midfielders:
Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, N'Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manu Koné
Forwards:
Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche
France Reveal 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Didier Deschamps names powerful France squad ahead of 2026 World Cup campaign