Didier Deschamps has set his 26-player France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the list includes a few major surprises. Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Chevalier are among the most striking omissions as Les Bleus prepare for another run at the title.
France enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders after finishing second in 2022. The event will be staged across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
Big Names Left Out
Camavinga’s absence stands out most. The Real Madrid midfielder, who came off the bench in the 2022 final, has seen his season disrupted by injuries and limited playing time.
Deschamps said the decision came down to form, fitness, and balance across the squad.
“He had a difficult season where he played less. He also dealt with injuries,” Deschamps said. “With the choices I have to make, the balance of the squad across defenders, midfielders, and forwards has to be considered.”
Randal Kolo Muani also misses out, while Florian Thauvin is another notable exclusion from the final group.
Chevalier Misses Out, Risser Gets His Chance
Lucas Chevalier’s omission is just as eye-catching. The PSG goalkeeper lost his place to Matvei Safonov and has not played since late January.
Deschamps made clear that match sharpness mattered.
“Sporting performance is the main criterion,” he said. “He hasn’t played for several months.”
Robin Risser is the fresh face in goal. After a strong season with Lens, he earned his first senior call-up and joins Mike Maignan and Brice Samba as France’s goalkeeping group.
A Deep Attack Still Defines France
Even with a few absentees, France bring a loaded attack to North America. Kylian Mbappé leads a group that also includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, along with Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is also included after beating out Kolo Muani for a place. The Crystal Palace forward now gets his chance on the biggest stage.
- Kylian Mbappé remains the main star
- Ousmane Dembélé adds elite end product
- Jean-Philippe Mateta offers a different physical profile
- Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki bring creativity
- Désiré Doué adds pace and flexibility
Deschamps said he wants ambition, but not arrogance, from his team.
“I have ambition, and I want the players to share it,” he said. “But we can’t lose our humility.”
He also stressed that France are contenders, not certainties.
A Final Tournament for Deschamps
This World Cup will be Deschamps’ last as France coach. He confirmed earlier this year that he will step down after the tournament, ending a run that began in 2012.
His record includes the 2018 World Cup title and a runner-up finish in 2022. Zidane is widely expected to succeed him, though nothing has been officially announced.
France have been drawn in Group I and will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the opening stage.
France’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Mike Maignan
- Brice Samba
- Robin Risser
Defenders
- Lucas Digne
- Malo Gusto
- Lucas Hernández
- Theo Hernández
- Ibrahima Konaté
- Jules Koundé
- Maxence Lacroix
- William Saliba
- Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders
- N’Golo Kanté
- Manu Koné
- Adrien Rabiot
- Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards
- Maghnes Akliouche
- Bradley Barcola
- Rayan Cherki
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Désiré Doué
- Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Kylian Mbappé
- Michael Olise
- Marcus Thuram