France manager Didier Deschamps names 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup
France manager Didier Deschamps has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba headlining a star-studded selection.
Les Bleus will be looking to go one step further after suffering penalty shootout heartbreak against Argentina in the 2022 final.
The two-time winners begin their Group I campaign against Senegal on 16 June.
Subsequent group fixtures pit the European heavyweights against Iraq and Norway later in the month.
Premier League stars bolster defence
Arsenal centre-back Saliba is rewarded for an outstanding domestic campaign.
He is joined in the defensive ranks by Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Crystal Palace centre-half Maxence Lacroix.
Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto provides an option on the right flank alongside Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Paris St-Germain’s Lucas Hernandez add further elite experience to the backline.
Maignan steps up as new era begins
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan officially takes the mantle as the nation’s undisputed number one.
He replaces legendary captain Hugo Lloris, who retired from international duty following the tournament in Qatar.
Rennes shot-stopper Brice Samba and Lens prospect Robin Risser will serve as the 30-year-old’s deputies.
West Ham United’s Alphonse Areola is a notable omission from the travelling party.
Midfield blend of youth and experience
Veteran holding player N’Golo Kante returns for what is likely his final appearance at a major international tournament.
The former Chelsea man is joined by seasoned campaigner Adrien Rabiot.
Real Madrid engine Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to anchor the side despite recent training ground controversies at his club.
Deschamps has also placed faith in emerging talent, calling up exciting youngsters Manu Kone and Warren Zaire-Emery.