France names 26-man World Cup squad as Deschamps plots farewell

France coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday, May 14, 2026, named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, selecting a group led by captain Kylian Mbappe for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. The holders of two world titles were drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway. Deschamps, who will leave his post after the tournament, kept faith with a core of established players and introduced a handful of fresh options.

Goalkeeper Robin Risser was rewarded for his form with Lens and will travel as the No. 3 behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. The coach also turned to youth and form in attack, handing a World Cup debut to Rayan Cherki after his season with Manchester City and calling up Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of Randal Kolo Muani. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram add further depth in wide and central roles.

Mbappe, recovering from a recent thigh issue, is expected to wear the armband. In midfield, Deschamps named N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery, pairing experience with emerging talent. The defensive pool includes Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.

Selection calls and depth across the squad

Risser earns late call in goal

Risser’s elevation caps a standout domestic campaign in which he was recognised as Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper this week. His selection provides depth behind first-choice Maignan and experienced backup Samba, while maintaining continuity in a position Deschamps has rarely overhauled during major tournaments.

Attacking mix and first-time selections

Deschamps balanced proven international experience with form players in attack. Cherki heads to his first World Cup after a strong year in England, while Mateta’s call-up reflects his club-level scoring run and positional profile. With Dembele and Olise offering creativity and width, and Thuram, Barcola, Akliouche and Doue supplying versatility, France can vary shapes and personnel across the front line.

Full squad list

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.

• Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, 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, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.

Group I outlook and leadership

Mbappe’s captaincy and fitness watch

Mbappe is expected to lead the side despite a thigh problem that sidelined him for parts of his club’s domestic run-in last month. The staff will monitor fitness across the squad in the build-up, with depth options available to manage minutes during a compressed tournament schedule.

Deschamps’ final tournament and what follows

Deschamps’ tenure, which began in 2012 and delivered the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 final, will conclude after this edition. Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, although no official appointment has been announced. For now, attention turns to preparations for Group I meetings with Senegal, Iraq and Norway as France aim for a third world title.

France will assemble in the coming weeks before departing for North America, with final tactical and fitness decisions to shape the starting XI for the group stage.