The co-favorite opts for a balanced squad over individual stars, with Didier Deschamps prioritizing team cohesion for the upcoming World Cup.
Led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, the French national football team is embarking on its World Cup campaign. The 26-man squad for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, announced by coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday, includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano.
«It’s a team. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team grows together,» Deschamps, who will step down as national coach after the World Cup, told French television channel TF1.
Tough Decision: Real Madrid Midfield Star Left Out
Former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké is not part of the squad. The 23-year-old, currently under contract with Liverpool, suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in April. Eduardo Camavinga is also among the notable absentees.
The Real Madrid midfielder has had «a difficult season where he didn’t play much and struggled with injuries,» necessitating tough choices, Deschamps explained.
Alongside Mbappé and Dembélé, defenders Lucas Hernandez (both Paris Saint-Germain) and midfield engine N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe) are the only remaining players from the 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
France will begin their tournament campaign on June 16th in Group I against Senegal, followed by matches against Iraq and Norway.
World Cup 2026: France’s Squad for the Finals
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba |
| Defenders | Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez |
| Midfielders | N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery |
| Forwards | Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram, Maghnes Akliouche |