Kolkata : 2018 FIFA World Cup champion and 2022 runner up France have announced their squad with stars like captain Kylian Mbappe and reginning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele making hearlines for FIFA World Cup 2026 starting from June 12.
Premier League stars like Lucas Hernandez and N’golo Kante, who were part of the 2018 winning team, have retained their places. Manchester City’s Ryan Cherki and Arsenal’s William Saliba are also on the 26-man list. However, Liverpool frontman Hugo Ekitike remains out, due to his recent struggle with an Achilles injury.
France head coach Didier Deschamps, in his final tournament has made some surprising calls, ignoring players who have consistently competed in Europe’s top five leagues. One of the shocking absentees is Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who featured in the 2022 competition. Another World Cup runner-up, Randal Kolo Muani, also sits out after a dismal season with Tottenham Hotspur. PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is also out, making way for uncapped Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser alongside Brice Samba and Mike Maignan.
Justifying the choices, the French manager said, “It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together.”
The two-time champions are drawn in Group I alongside African giants Senegal, Erling Haaland’s Norway, and Iraq, who return to the global stage after 40 years.
France Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 :
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.
Forwards – Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram.
