Didier Deschamps Names Experienced France Squad for 2026 World Cup
Robin Risser gets a first call-up after being named Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper, while Lucas Chevalier misses out through injury.
Ten players from the 2022 final return, with Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kante and Mbappe remaining from the 2018 winning side...
Didier Deschamps has announced his France squad for the World Cup, with Eduardo Camavinga left out of the Real Madrid midfielder.
Robin Risser earns a call-up after impressing for Racing Lens, who will finish second in Ligue 1 and play in the French Cup final later this month. The 21-year-old was named Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper this week.
It’s Risser’s first France squad, and he comes in ahead of Lucas Chevalier. The PSG goalkeeper was expected to be included but lost his place in the team and has been out injured since January.
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is also in. The striker made his debut last October, has three caps, and replaces Randal Kolo Muani in the squad. He takes the spot left by Hugo Ekitike, who ruptured his Achilles playing for Liverpool against PSG in the Champions League last month.
Deschamps opts for Lacroix over Camavinga
There had been talk over whether Deschamps would keep faith with Eduardo Camavinga after a frustrating season at Real Madrid, but the coach instead picked Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. Lacroix impressed on his debut against Brazil in March.
“I would imagine it is a huge disappointment for him, but he has had a tough season with injury as well,” the coach said of Camavinga.
The rest of the 26-man squad held few surprises. Ten players were part of the team that reached the World Cup final in Qatar four years ago, and Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kante and Kylian Mbappe are still around from the 2018 winners in Moscow.
"He has a different profile to other strikers,” said Deschamps of his choice.
Kylian Mbappe captains the side and leads a strong forward line alongside Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and in-form Michael Olise.
Deschamps revealed the squad live on TF1’s main evening news broadcast.
France landed in Group I with Norway, Senegal and Iraq. The two-time champions kick off their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday 16 June, with kick-off at 15:00 local time, 21:00 CET.
France's full 26-man World Cup squad
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 Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern)
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahçe), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒏 𝒂 𝒖𝒏 𝒓𝒐̂𝒍𝒆 𝒂̀ 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒓 🇫🇷🌎
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 14, 2026
Voici nos 26 Bleus qui représenteront la France à la 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ! 🔥#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/CqKUzJpSK0
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