France manager, Didier Deschamps, has announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with several notable omissions from his final selection, including Eduardo Camavinga.
Deschamps, who will leave his position as coach of the French national team after this summer’s tournament, will be aiming to guide the country to a third successive World Cup final when the competition begins in July.
France will open their group stage campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16.
They will then face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 22 before meeting Norway in Boston on June 26.
On Thursday evening, Deschamps confirmed his squad at the FFF headquarters in Paris, with several decisions drawing attention from fans and observers.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has made three appearances for his country, has received a call-up, while PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani will miss out after a difficult campaign on loan at Spurs.
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Camavinga has struggled to secure a regular place in Real Madrid’s starting XI this season and, according to reports in Spain, the club are open to offers if a suitable bid arrives for the 23-year-old.
Deschamps has selected three goalkeepers – Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Robin Risser – alongside eight defenders, including William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Malo Gusto.
N’Golo Kante, who currently plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce, will feature in his third World Cup alongside midfielders Manu Kone, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the attack, with Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Rayan Cherki also included in the squad as France look to compete for the title.
Deschamps, who led France to World Cup victory in 2018 and will step down after the 2026 edition, made few unexpected selections in his final tournament squad.
Mbappe is expected to captain the side despite a thigh injury sustained last month, which kept him out of key matches in Real Madrid’s La Liga run-in.
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace/ENG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)
