Didier Deschamps has settled on his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the list includes several surprises. Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Chevalier are among the most eye-catching omissions, while France heads to North America with one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking groups.
France will enter the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as one of the leading contenders once again. After finishing runner-up in 2022, Les Bleus arrive with high expectations, even if the final roster shows that performance and fitness still matter more than reputation.
Camavinga Misses Out After a Difficult Year
Camavinga’s absence is perhaps the biggest headline. The Real Madrid midfielder was part of France’s 2022 World Cup final run and even came off the bench in that loss to Argentina, but this time injuries and limited playing time have worked against him.
Deschamps made it clear that selection was shaped by the overall balance of the squad, not just a player’s name or past importance. He pointed to Camavinga’s reduced minutes and physical issues as key reasons for leaving him off the list, while also acknowledging how painful the decision must be for the young midfielder.
Goalkeeping Shake-Up Brings a New Face
Another major talking point is the exclusion of Lucas Chevalier. The PSG goalkeeper has not played regularly since late January after losing his place to Matvei Safonov, and Deschamps leaned heavily on that lack of match rhythm.
Instead, Robin Risser has earned his first senior call-up after an impressive season with Lens. He received added recognition earlier in the week when he was named Ligue 1’s top shot-stopper, and his form helped Lens finish with one of the best defensive records in France. He now joins Mike Maignan and Brice Samba as part of the goalkeeping group.
France Still Looks Dangerous Up Front
If the squad has any weakness, it is not in attack. France will go to the World Cup with a forward line that includes Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche. That kind of depth gives Deschamps multiple ways to change games quickly.
Jean-Philippe Mateta also makes the squad after being preferred over Randal Kolo Muani. Mateta’s inclusion adds another physical option and gives France a different attacking profile if they need one during the tournament. Florian Thauvin, despite being one of Ligue 1’s top-season nominees, was left out as well.
Deschamps said he wants ambition in the group, but he also stressed that humility matters. In his view, France is one of several teams capable of lifting the trophy, not the only one, and the path to winning will depend on consistency rather than confidence alone.
Deschamps’ Final Tournament and France’s Group
This World Cup will be Deschamps’ last as France manager. He confirmed earlier this year that he will step down after the tournament, closing a long run that began in 2012 and delivered the 2018 title plus a runner-up finish four years ago.
Zinedine Zidane remains the expected successor, though no official change has been made yet. For now, Deschamps still has one final assignment: lead France through Group I against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
France’s 26-Man Squad
- Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
- Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
- Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
- Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram