Kylian Mbappé will lead France’s pursuit of a third World Cup title after coach Didier Deschamps unveiled his 26-man squad on Thursday for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup success in 2018 and has already confirmed he will step down after the competition, selected a squad blending experienced stars with emerging young talents.
Mbappé is expected to captain the team despite recently struggling with a thigh injury that ruled him out of Real Madrid’s closing La Liga matches.
France’s attacking options also include Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich, and Désiré Doué from Paris Saint-Germain. The squad also includes a first major tournament call-up for 22-year-old playmaker Rayan Cherki, who has impressed at Manchester City this season.
Notable absentees from the squad are Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani. Deschamps explained that Camavinga’s injury troubles and inconsistent performances influenced his decision.
Only four players from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad remain in the current team — Mbappé, Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, and N’Golo Kanté.
France has been placed in Group I, where they will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the group stage.
France’s 26-Man World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders:
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders:
N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahce), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
