France national football team have announced their 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with captain Kylian Mbappe set to lead the side in the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11.
While the squad features several star names, the biggest surprise was the omission of Eduardo Camavinga, who was part of France’s runner-up squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder has struggled for regular game time this season and reportedly fell behind emerging talent Thiago Pitarch in the club’s midfield hierarchy, leading to his exclusion from the national side for the marquee tournament.
France’s attacking lineup will be spearheaded by Mbappe alongside Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. The midfield department includes Aurelien Tchouameni and experienced midfielder N’Golo Kante.
In defence, manager Didier Deschamps has placed his trust in players such as William Saliba, Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez, while Mike Maignan is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
France will travel to Boston for their World Cup training camp after completing warm-up matches against Ivory Coast national football team and Northern Ireland national football team.
Placed in Group I, France will open their World Cup campaign against Senegal national football team on June 16, followed by matches against Iraq national football team on June 22 and Norway national football team on June 26.
The squad also saw notable omissions such as Randal Kolo Muani and Esteban Lepaul, despite the latter finishing as Ligue 1’s top scorer this season. Meanwhile, Jean-Philippe Mateta earned a recall and is expected to provide cover after Hugo Ekitike was ruled out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, will once again lead the team and aim for another title. Speculation surrounding his future has also intensified, with reports suggesting that former France legend Zinedine Zidane could take over the national team after the tournament.
France Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Robin Risser, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Maxence Lacroix, Malo Gusto, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez
Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise
