PARIS, France – Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, French national team head coach Didier Deschamps has officially announced his 26-man roster for the tournament, with superstar forward Kylian Mbappe set to lead the side in what will be Deschamps’ final major competition in charge.
The 2018 World Cup-winning coach, who will step down from his post following this summer’s tournament, delivered a largely predictable squad list when speaking to reporters Thursday, with few unexpected calls or omissions that shook up pre-tournament speculation.
Despite sustaining a thigh injury last month that forced him to sit out several critical closing matches of Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign, 27-year-old Mbappe has secured his place in the squad and is widely expected to wear the captain’s armband for Les Bleus. He will anchor a star-studded attacking unit that also includes reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain’s exciting young prospect Desire Doue, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
One of the most notable first-time call-ups goes to 22-year-old playmaker Rayan Cherki, who capped a standout debut season with English Premier League side Manchester City by earning his spot in the World Cup roster. On the defensive end, Arsenal’s William Saliba, another French talent plying his trade in the Premier League, has been tapped to bring physical stability and organizational leadership to the backline.
Only four players from Deschamps’ 2018 World Cup-winning squad in Russia will return for this edition: full-back Lucas Hernandez, defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante, Mbappe, and Dembele. Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser stands as the only uncapped player included in the final selection, a surprise rise for the young shot-stopper who has impressed domestically this season.
Deschamps emphasized in an interview with French broadcaster TF1 that roster construction prioritized collective fit over individual talent, saying: “It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together.”
A handful of high-profile players missed out on selection, most notably Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Chevalier moved to the Parc des Princes in a high-profile summer transfer from Lille last year, but has failed to unseat the starter and now sits as second-choice at the club. Deschamps acknowledged Camavinga’s likely disappointment, noting the midfielder struggled through an injury-plagued season with limited playing time at his club. “I’ve got decisions to make and a squad to put together,” he added.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was also not considered for selection, after a season-ending Achilles injury ruled him out in April. For Deschamps, this announcement marks the seventh and final major tournament squad he will select as France’s head coach, ending a 14-year tenure in charge of the national side. Addressing speculation about his post-tournament plans, he downplayed concerns: “It’s been part of my life for 14 years running. But if people are worried, I’m not retiring [from public life]. I’ll have a life of my own. The World Cup is the most important thing right now.”
France will kick off their Group I campaign on June 16 against Senegal, before subsequent group stage matches against Iraq and Norway as they aim to lift their third World Cup title in 18 years.
### Full 2026 France World Cup Squad
**Goalkeepers**: Mike Maignan (AC Milan, Italy), Robin Risser (Lens, France), Brice Samba (Rennes, France)
**Defenders**: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa, England), Malo Gusto (Chelsea, England), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool, England), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, England), Jules Kounde (Barcelona, Spain), William Saliba (Arsenal, England), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, Germany)
**Midfielders**: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Manu Kone (Roma, Italy), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan, Italy), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid, Spain), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
**Forwards**: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco, France), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City, England), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, Germany), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, Spain), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace, England), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan, Italy)