Sports Correspondent – France manager Didier Deschamps has announced the 26 players who will represent Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in what is expected to be his final tournament in charge.
The squad blends seasoned internationals with a wave of attacking talent. Kylian Mbappé leads the lineup, joined by Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé. Rising stars Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki also made the cut, signaling a shift toward youth in the final third.
Deschamps surprised many by giving Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser his first World Cup call-up after a standout year. Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix also earned spots following strong club campaigns.
Several members of the squad that reached the 2022 final in Qatar remain, providing continuity as France prepare for another run. That team fell to Argentina on penalties.
France will compete in Group I, where they face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
Full France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
