French national football coach Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup today, notably excluding Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Chevalier. The goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier lost his position as the third-choice keeper to Robin Risser, marking one of the few tactical surprises in a squad otherwise packed with elite talent.
Deschamps, who will lead the “Bleus” for the final time before stepping down after the tournament, surprisingly omitted Camavinga despite the midfielder featuring in three matches for him this season.
France, world champions in 1998 and 2018, entered this cycle seeking redemption after their narrow defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final.
For their 17th appearance, France will compete in Group I against Norway, Iraq, and Senegal during the tournament held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The goalkeeper selection sees Mike Maignan of AC Milan leading the pack, joined by Lens’s Robin Risser and Rennes’s Brice Samba to guard the French net.
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The defensive line is anchored by Premier League stars William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté, alongside Jules Koundé of Barcelona and the Hernandez brothers, Théo and Lucas. In midfield, the veteran presence of N’Golo Kanté, now playing in Turkey for Fenerbahçe, is complemented by Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni and the young Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The squad also features a powerful defensive rotation including Dayot Upamecano and Maxence Lacroix, ensuring the French side remains physically dominant throughout the group stage matches. The attacking force remains the jewel of the French team, headlined by Real Madrid’s superstar Kylian Mbappé and supported by the creative flair of Ousmane Dembélé.
Deschamps has also called up Premier League standouts Rayan Cherki of Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta to provide diverse scoring options upfront. Rising talents such as Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have earned their spots, reflecting a new generation of French players ready to take the global stage.
Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche round out a formidable offensive unit that many analysts consider the favorite to lift the trophy this July. The French squad will begin their final preparations before traveling to North America for the opening ceremony and their first match against Senegal.
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With Deschamps aiming to end his historic tenure on a high note, the pressure will be on this specific group to deliver a third star.
The exclusion of Camavinga remains the main talking point among French fans, as the midfielder had been a consistent part of the national setup recently.
Regardless of the absences, France boasts one of the most valuable and deep squads in the competition, capable of competing with any opponent in Group I.
