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France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup has been revealed, with Didier Deschamps determined to bow out on a high after leading his nation to another major tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will mark the final chapter in Deschamps’ storied managerial career with Les Bleus. The veteran coach remains one of only three individuals to have lifted the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. Once again, France enter the competition as strong contenders, boasting a team overflowing with talent and depth.

Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappe will captain the side in what will be his third World Cup appearance. The 27-year-old striker is chasing history, aiming to surpass France’s all-time scoring record as well as the overall World Cup goal record.

Mbappe will be supported by a formidable attacking lineup including Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram, all vying for starting positions. Behind them, midfield dynamo Warren Zaire-Emery partners veteran N’Golo Kante, with a remarkable 15-year age gap between them.

Some notable omissions have raised eyebrows. Eduardo Camavinga, despite his versatility across midfield and left-back roles, has been dropped following an inconsistent season with Real Madrid. Randal Kolo Muani also misses out, as does PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier after a disappointing year at the club. Forward Hugo Ekitike, meanwhile, is sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.

Deschamps’ final selection reflects a careful balance between youthful energy and seasoned experience, as France aim to bring home their third world title.

Goalkeepers:

Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes), Robin Risser (Lens)

Defenders:

Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)

Midfielders:

N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Manu Kone (Roma), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards:

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Upcoming Fixtures:

June 4, 2026: France vs Ivory Coast, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France

June 16, 2026: France vs Senegal, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States

June 26, 2026: Norway vs France, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States

September 25, 2026: Turkey vs France, Turkey

September 28, 2026: Belgium vs France, Brussels, Belgium

October 2, 2026: France vs Italy, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

October 5, 2026: France vs Belgium, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

November 12, 2026: Italy vs France, Italy

November 15, 2026: France vs Turkey, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

Recent Results:

March 29, 2026: Colombia 1-3 France, Northwest Stadium, Landover, United States

March 26, 2026: Brazil 1-2 France, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States

November 16, 2025: Azerbaijan 1-3 France, Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan

November 13, 2025: France 4-0 Ukraine, Parc des Princes, Paris, France

October 13: Iceland 2-2 France, Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik, Iceland

October 10: France 3-0 Azerbaijan, Parc des Princes, Paris, France

September 9: France 2-1 Iceland, Parc des Princes, Paris, France

September 5: Ukraine 0-2 France, Tarczynski Arena Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland

June 8: Germany 0-2 France, MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany

June 5: Spain 5-4 France, MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany

March 23: France 2-0 Croatia (5-4 pens), Stade de France, Paris, France

March 20: Croatia 2-0 France, Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia

France will compete in Group I at the 2026 World Cup.

Didier Deschamps has managed the French national team for 13 years and will step down after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, confirming he will not renew his contract. Under his leadership, France clinched the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 final, and narrowly lost to Argentina on penalties.

Deschamps’ consistent squad selections have helped foster strong on-field chemistry, a key factor in France’s continued success at major tournaments.

Kylian Mbappe’s exceptional form continues to astound. His 43-goal season last year was considered routine by his standards, and he is already surpassing that tally this campaign despite managerial changes at Real Madrid. Ranked number one in FourFourTwo’s list of the world’s best strikers, Mbappe is expected to spearhead France’s attack once again. He currently trails Olivier Giroud by a single goal in France’s all-time scoring charts.

Having scored 12 goals across two World Cups, Mbappe is tied for sixth place on the all-time list and remains one of only two players in history, alongside Geoff Hurst, to have netted a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Written by Ewan Gennery and Isaac Stacey Stronge, Freelance Writers.