Mbappé, Dembélé Headline France’s 2026 World Cup Squad
Didier Deschamps is preparing for what many expect to be his final act as France manager, and he has assembled a squad that blends elite experience with exciting young talent as Les Bleus chase a third FIFA World Cup title in the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026.
Kylian Mbappé remains the centrepiece of the French attack and enters the tournament as one of football’s most decisive players. Already a World Cup winner and among the competition’s all-time leading scorers for his age group, the forward carries the hopes of millions of French supporters eager for another historic run after the national team’s narrow defeat in the 2022 final in Qatar.
Alongside Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé’s remarkable resurgence over the past two seasons has elevated him into one of the most influential players in world football. His creativity, pace and ability to unlock defences are expected to define France’s attacking approach throughout the competition.
Deschamps has also handed World Cup opportunities to a new generation of highly rated stars, including Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki, all of whom earned selection after impressive club campaigns. Their inclusion reflects the coach’s determination to merge youthful energy with proven international quality.
One of the most discussed absences from the squad is midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who failed to secure a place after battling injuries and inconsistent form during the season. Despite his omission, France possess a dominant midfield unit anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot and the returning N’Golo Kanté, whose resurgence at club level has restored much needed defensive balance to the engine room.
At the back, Arsenal’s William Saliba has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable centre backs and is expected to partner either Dayot Upamecano or Ibrahima Konaté in central defence, with Jules Koundé and Théo Hernandez providing attacking width from wide positions.
Between the posts, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has cemented his position as France’s number one following Hugo Lloris’s international retirement. The surprise inclusion of uncapped Robin Risser, after standout performances in Ligue 1 this season, has drawn considerable attention.
France have been drawn into a group featuring Norway, Senegal and Iraq, a section widely regarded as one of the tournament’s most competitive. Norway, in particular, carry attacking threats capable of troubling any defence.
Despite the challenging group stage draw, France remain among bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also make history as the first edition to feature 48 nations across 104 matches, the largest edition ever staged.
For Deschamps, Mbappé and a squad built across two generations, the goal is singular and unambiguous: bring the trophy home.