Didier Deschamps has announced his 26-man France squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico – and some big names have missed out on his final-ever selection.
Deschamps, who will leave his position as coach of the French national team after this summer’s tournament, will be hoping to lead the country to a third successive World Cup final when July rolls around.
France will kick off their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on June 16 before taking on fellow Group I opponents Iraq and Norway.
So, who will feature for Les Blues? On Thursday evening, Deschamps made his squad announcement at the FFF headquarters in Paris, and some of his picks have sparked plenty of debate amongst fans.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has made three appearances for his country, has received a call-up, while PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani will miss out after a poor campaign on loan at Spurs.
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It was reported ahead of the announcement that Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could also be left out, and those rumours were indeed correct.
Camavinga has struggled to nail down a regular spot in Los Blancos’ starting line-up this season and, according to reports in Spain, the club are open to offers if a suitable bid arrives for the 23-year-old.
Deschamps, meanwhile, has decided to pick three goalkeepers – Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Robin Risser, while eight defenders, including William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Malo Gusto, have been selected.
N’Golo Kante, who currently plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce, will take part in his third World Cup alongside fellow midfielders Manu Kone, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Of course, Kylian Mbappe is set to be their main man, while Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, will also try and lead France to glory.
France’s 26-man squad in full
Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan),
Robin Risser (Lens)
Brice Samba (Rennes)
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 (AS Roma),
Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan),
Aurélien Tchouameni (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)