France head coach Didier Deschamps has officially named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, signaling the beginning of what he has confirmed will be his final tournament in charge of Les Bleus.
“We have an incredible reservoir of talent,” Deschamps noted during the press conference. “The choices were difficult, but this group represents the best balance to take us to the end in July.”
The announcement, made on Thursday evening at the FFF headquarters, features a formidable blend of veteran leadership and explosive young talent.
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Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé headline an attacking unit widely considered the most dangerous in the world.
The biggest headline from the selection is the inclusion of Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser. The 21-year-old, recently named Ligue 1’s Goalkeeper of the Year, earned the No 3 spot behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.
In the forward line, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta secured a place following a prolific season, preferred over Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani.
However, the squad is not without its shocks. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is the most high-profile omission. After a difficult club season, the 23-year-old was left out of the trip to North America, as was goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Deschamps, who led France to glory in 2018 and a final rappearance in 2022, is aiming for a historic third world title before stepping down.
France has been drawn into Group I and will open their campaign against Senegal at MetLife BBStadium on June 16, followed by fixtures against Iraq and Norway.
France Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix.
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné,j Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Attackers: Maghnés Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.