Paris: France national football team manager Didier Deschamps has announced France’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with one of the biggest surprises being the omission of Eduardo Camavinga from the final list.
Ranked No. 1 in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, France enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders for the title and will once again be led by captain Kylian Mbappe.
The squad features several established stars and emerging talents across all departments, including Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Aurelien Tchouameni and veteran midfielder N’Golo Kante.
Camavinga’s omission sparks discussion
The absence of Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as the biggest talking point following the squad announcement.
The Real Madrid midfielder had been part of France’s squad during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Les Bleus finished runners-up, and was also involved in international fixtures earlier this year.
However, Deschamps cited injuries and reduced playing time as major factors behind the decision to leave the midfielder out of the final squad.
Speaking after the announcement, the French coach acknowledged Camavinga’s disappointment and noted that the player had endured a difficult season with limited opportunities at club level.
Reports suggest Camavinga recently slipped behind Thiago Pitarch in the midfield hierarchy at Real Madrid, affecting his consistency and match rhythm ahead of the World Cup.
Despite the setback, Deschamps stressed that Camavinga remains a young player with a bright future for the national side.
Strong squad led by Mbappe
France’s squad includes a blend of experience and youth as the team targets a third World Cup title.
Captain Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack alongside Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram and promising young forwards such as Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
The midfield unit will be anchored by Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kante, while young talents like Warren Zaire-Emery and Manu Kone also earned selection.
Defensively, France continue to rely on established names including William Saliba, Jules Kounde, Theo Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano.
In goal, Mike Maignan has been named first-choice goalkeeper, with Brice Samba and Robin Risser selected as backup options.
Warm-up matches before World Cup
France are scheduled to play warm-up matches against Ivory Coast national football team and Northern Ireland national football team before heading to their World Cup training base in Boston.
Les Bleus will begin their Group I campaign against Senegal national football team on June 16.
They will then face Iraq national football team on June 22 before concluding the group stage against Norway national football team on June 26.
Football analysts believe France possess one of the deepest squads in the tournament and are among the favourites to challenge for the title once again.
Other notable inclusions and omissions
Among other high-profile omissions were forward Randal Kolo Muani and Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, despite the latter finishing as Ligue 1’s top scorer this season.
Meanwhile, Jean-Philippe Mateta earned a recall after recovering from a knee injury that had ruled him out of France’s March friendlies.
Mateta is expected to provide attacking cover following the injury absence of Hugo Ekitike, who has reportedly been ruled out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Deschamps nearing final World Cup
The tournament is widely expected to be Didier Deschamps’ final FIFA World Cup as France manager.
Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and also led the side to the 2022 final. France previously won the tournament on home soil in 1998.
Speculation continues to grow that French football legend Zinedine Zidane could eventually succeed Deschamps after the World Cup.
France World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, Lucas Digne, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez
Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram, Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise