Key Takeaways:
- Didier Deschamps revealed his definitive 26-player France squad for the 2026 World Cup
- Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser received his first ever international call-up as third-choice keeper
- France will contest Group I fixtures against Sénégal on June 16, Iraq on June 22, and Norway on June 26
Deschamps Confirms Squad Selection Ahead of Final Tournament as Manager
Didier Deschamps, at the helm of France’s national side for what is set to be his final tournament in charge, announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this evening. The 57-year-old, who is aiming to guide Les Bleus to a third consecutive World Cup final, has opted for a familiar mix of established stars and top-level experience as France pursue redemption following their penalty-shootout defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final.
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 14, 2026
Key Changes and Injury Updates
A major talking point revolved around Deschamps’ choice for the role of France’s third-choice goalkeeper. With Lucas Chevalier of PSG sidelined with a thigh injury, the national manager turned to 21-year-old Robin Risser of Lens, giving him his first ever call-up in time for the global showpiece. On the attacking front, Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace has returned to the fold, benefitting from Hugo Ekitiké’s absence due to a serious Achilles problem. There were notable omissions as well, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani and Ligue 1’s leading scorer Estéban Lepaul missing out.
Preparations and Group Stage Schedule
Before departing to the United States, France are scheduled to play two preparatory friendlies: they will meet Ivory Coast at Nantes on Thursday, June 4, and Northern Ireland at Lille on Monday, June 8. France will then begin their World Cup campaign in Group I, facing Sénégal on June 16, Iraq on June 22, and Norway on June 26.
Full 26-Player France Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Mike Maignan | Milan |
| Robin Risser | Lens | |
| Brice Samba | Rennes | |
| Defenders | Lucas Digne | Aston Villa |
| Malo Gusto | Chelsea | |
| L. Hernandez | PSG | |
| T. Hernandez | Al-Hilal | |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | |
| Jules Koundé | Barcelona | |
| Maxence Lacroix | Crystal Palace | |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | |
| Midfielders | N’Golo Kanté | Fenerbahçe |
| Manu Koné | Roma | |
| Adrien Rabiot | Milan | |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | Real Madrid | |
| Warren Zaïre-Emery | PSG | |
| Forwards | Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco |
| Bradley Barcola | PSG | |
| Rayan Cherki | Manchester City | |
| Ousmane Dembélé | PSG | |
| Désiré Doué | PSG | |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Crystal Palace | |
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | |
| Michael Olise | Bayern Munich | |
| Marcus Thuram | Inter |
