Here’s the latest on France’s World Cup squad based on recent reporting:
Direct answer
- France announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring a star-heavy attack led by Kylian Mbappé. Notable inclusions and surprises include the recall of experienced forwards and the introduction of a few younger talents, with consideration given to injuries and form.
Key highlights
- Attack: Mbappé remains central. Ousmane Dembélé is also included, giving France both pace and finishing ability in wide areas.
- Surprises and new call-ups: The squad includes players who have impressed in domestic or European leagues and some who were not previously favored for major tournaments. A couple of younger players have earned surprise selections, signaling Deschamps’ intent to blend veteran presence with emerging talent.
- Omissions: A number of established stars contending with injuries or form dips were left out as part of the squad shaping, with emphasis on balancing experience and breadth across positions.
Notes on context
- This marks what could be Deschamps’ final World Cup with France, given his long tenure and the depth of talent at his disposal. The squad’s composition reflects tactical flexibility, aiming to sustain France’s status as a tournament favorite while managing fitness concerns ahead of the tournament.
Would you like a concise side-by-side comparison of the France 2026 squad with the 2022 or 2018 squads, or a quick roster table listing each position and player? I can also share sources and pull direct quotes if you want.
Sources
France is once again bursting with talent.Head coach Didier Deschamps unveiled the provisional squad he'll bring to Qatar in search of France's third World Cup title.Four years after Les Bleus lifted the World Cup trophy in Russia for the first time since 1998, Deschamps once again had the pleasure of choosing from an absurdly deep talent pool.Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was perhaps the easiest selection for Deschamps. He's only gotten better since starring for France in Russia,...
www.thescore.comThe blows keep coming for Didier Deschamps with Presnel Kimpembe, Mike Maignan and Christopher Nkunku also ruled out
www.cbssports.comDidier Deschamps became just the third man to win the World Cup as a player and a manager when his France side lifted the title in Russia in 2018
www.mirror.co.ukFrance have reached two consecutive World Cup finals and will be aiming for another in 2026.
www.sportingnews.comFrance coach Didier Deschamps assembled a squad with formidable attacking talent for the World Cup and rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser with a call-up for the showpiece tournament following his breakthrough season.
english.ahram.org.egDidier Deschamps has named only a 25-man squad for France at the World Cup, despite being able to pick 26; William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate were called up along with Premier League goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphone Areola
www.skysports.comFrance coach Didier Deschamps has assembled a powerful squad for the World Cup and rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser with a call-up after his standout season. Risser, who plays for Lens, was named…
www.sfchronicle.comParis, Sept 15, 2022 (AFP) - ATTENTION - RECASTS with Deschamps quotes /// Paris, Sept 15, 2022 (AFP) - Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele were both included in the final France squad before the World Cup on Thursday, as coach Didier Deschamps dealt with the absence of a host of big names for a UEFA Nations League double header and faced up to the possibility of Paul Pogba missing the World Cup. Juventus midfielder Pogba -- who scored in France's 4-2 win over Croatia in the 2018 World Cup...
www.thescore.comWho made France’s World Cup squad and who missed out? Full team list, surprises, and key omissions explained.
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