France manager Didier Deschamps has named a star-studded 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, headlined by captain Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Les Bleus will be aiming for another title as Deschamps prepares for his final tournament in charge.
Mbappe, recovering from a recent thigh injury, is expected to lead France’s attack alongside a host of attacking options, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, who is set for his World Cup debut after a breakthrough season.
Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano headline a solid defensive unit, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix also included. The squad also features experienced campaigners Lucas Hernandez and N’Golo Kante—two of just four players remaining from the 2018 World Cup-winning side.
Notably absent are Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, both missing out due to limited playing time and injuries. Lens’ Robin Risser is the squad’s only uncapped player, while Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike misses out through injury.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of team balance: “It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together.”
France will kick off their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16, followed by matches with Iraq and Norway.
France 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Robin Risser (Lens)
Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders:
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal)
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders:
N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce)
Manu Kone (Roma)
Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)
Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
France enters the tournament as one of the favorites, blending established stars with exciting new talent as Deschamps seeks to end his tenure with another World Cup triumph.
