France coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Kylian Mbappe set to lead Les Bleus at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup triumph in 2018, is expected to step down after the competition and described his latest selection as one built around balance rather than individual stars.
“It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together,” Deschamps told French television station TF1.
“The overriding and essential criterion (for selection) is a sporting one,” the 57-year-old later explained to reporters.
Mbappe, despite struggling with a thigh injury that forced him to miss crucial matches during Real Madrid’s La Liga title chase, is still expected to captain the French side from the start of the tournament.
France’s attack also boasts several high-profile names, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain, and Michael Olise of Bayern Munich.
Young midfielder Rayan Cherki earned his first World Cup call-up after an impressive debut campaign with Manchester City, while William Saliba of Arsenal is expected to play a key role in defence.
Deschamps also included Dayot Upamecano, who is likely to partner Saliba in central defence. Ibrahima Konate and Maxence Lacroix also made the squad.
Alongside Mbappe and Dembele, experienced stars Lucas Hernandez and N’Golo Kante remain from the France side that won the World Cup in Russia eight years ago.
Goalkeeper Robin Risser is the only uncapped player named in the squad.
However, there was no place for Eduardo Camavinga after an injury-hit campaign with Real Madrid, while PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was also omitted.
“I can imagine how disappointed he (Camavinga) must be,” Deschamps said. “He’s coming off a tough season where he didn’t play as much and suffered injuries. (But) I’ve got decisions to make and a squad to put together.”
Hugo Ekitike also missed out after suffering an Achilles injury in April that ended his season.
Reflecting on his final major tournament squad announcement as France coach, Deschamps said: “It’s been part of my life for 14 years running. But if people are worried, I’m not retiring. I’ll have a life of my own. The World Cup is the most important thing.”
France will begin their Group I campaign against Senegal national football team on June 16 before facing Iraq and Norway.
France Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.