France World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Didier Deschamps

Deschamps' final tournament

Didier Deschamps confirmed before naming his squad that this World Cup will be his last as France manager. Thirteen years in charge. A man who lifted the trophy in Moscow in 2018, who took France to the final in Lusail in 2022 and only lost on penalties to Argentina in the most dramatic finish the modern tournament has seen. He wants to go out with the third star on the shirt and the entire country is behind him. Win it and he goes down as the greatest France manager of all time. That is some way to say goodbye.

Camavinga and Kolo Muani left out

Eduardo Camavinga was part of the 2022 World Cup squad but was unable to force his way into Deschamps' thinking this time. A difficult season at Real Madrid hampered by injuries and limited minutes cost him his place. Kolo Muani also misses out — the striker who scored in the 2022 final loses his spot as the forward positions are now dominated by Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola, Olise and Thuram. Deschamps has not been sentimental about selections. If you are not performing at club level, you are not going to France's World Cup.

Mbappe at 27, leading France at his third World Cup

Kylian Mbappe has 12 World Cup goals heading into this tournament. Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 is within reach. He is 27 years old, at Real Madrid, and playing at the peak of his powers. France are the number one ranked team in the world. Mbappe has had two previous World Cups — a winner's medal in 2018 and a Golden Boot in 2022 despite being on the losing side. He wants the trophy more than anything. In North America, in these stadiums, with this squad around him, this might be his best ever chance of getting it.

Rayan Cherki — the one to watch

Rayan Cherki completed his move from Lyon to Manchester City and the improvement in his game has been obvious. At 21 he is technically brilliant, capable of playing in multiple positions across the front line, and has the kind of imagination that simply cannot be coached. Deschamps has included him in a squad already stacked with world-class forward options — which tells you everything about how highly he is regarded. Give him ten minutes on the ball in a knockout game and something special could happen.

France's group: Group I — Senegal, Norway and Iraq

France are in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. It is a manageable draw for the world's number one ranked nation. Senegal have quality and a genuine threat up front but France have faced better opponents in group stages. Norway without Haaland represents a significantly reduced challenge. Iraq will be organised but not a genuine threat at this level. France should win the group comfortably and conserve energy for the knockouts — which is exactly where Deschamps has always wanted his team to peak.

William Saliba leading a formidable defence

William Saliba at Arsenal has been one of the best defenders in Europe this season. At 24 he is already a complete centre-back — calm, dominant in the air, quick to recover. Paired with Upamecano, with the Hernandez brothers providing pace and attacking threat on either side, France have arguably the best defensive unit at the entire tournament. This is a back line with pace, physical presence and quality across every position. Any striker facing France will know they are in for a very uncomfortable afternoon.

Who is in France's World Cup 2026 squad?

Didier Deschamps named a 26-man squad for World Cup 2026. The squad includes Kylian Mbappe as captain, Mike Maignan in goal, William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate in defence, Aurelien Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery in midfield, and Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram in attack. Eduardo Camavinga and Kolo Muani were the most notable omissions.

Is Mbappe in France's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Kylian Mbappe is in France's World Cup 2026 squad and captains the side. He is 27 years old, plays for Real Madrid, and has 12 World Cup goals going into the tournament. He is chasing Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16.

Why was Camavinga left out of France's World Cup squad?

Eduardo Camavinga was left out after a difficult season at Real Madrid with injuries and limited playing time. Deschamps decided the tournament came too soon for him to be included ahead of other midfield options.

Who is France's captain at World Cup 2026?

Kylian Mbappe is France's captain at World Cup 2026. He is 27 years old and is leading France at his third World Cup tournament.

What group are France in at World Cup 2026?

France are in Group I at World Cup 2026 alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. They are the number one ranked team in the world and are expected to qualify from the group stage comfortably.

Is this Deschamps' last tournament as France manager?

Yes. Didier Deschamps confirmed he will step down as France manager after the World Cup ends. He has been in charge for thirteen years, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final. He wants to finish with a third star.