Key Takeaways:
- Didier Deschamps unveiled a 26-player France squad for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the US later in March
- Jules Koundé misses selection due to injury, with Pierre Kalulu called up in his place
- Aurélien Tchouaméni returns after the previous international break absence; Lucas Chevalier will serve as France’s third-choice goalkeeper this month
Upcoming Fixtures on American Soil
France are gearing up to test themselves with two high-profile friendlies on the East Coast of the United States later this March, providing the squad with a valuable opportunity to acclimatise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Les Bleus take on Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Thursday 26 March, before facing Colombia at Landover’s Northwest Stadium on Sunday 29 March.
𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒 𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐀̀ ! 💙🔥
Cap sur les États-Unis avec 2 matchs face au Brésil 🇧🇷 et à la Colombie 🇨🇴
🔜 Rendez-vous lundi à Clairefontaine pour l’arrivée 😄 pic.twitter.com/6YFtbtERdL
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 19, 2026
Squad Selection: Unavailable Stars and Notable Returns
Didier Deschamps has opted for a 26-man contingent for the tour. Jules Koundé remains sidelined with a thigh injury, leading to the inclusion of Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in the squad. Despite losing his starting spot at PSG, Lucas Chevalier has been summoned and is set to act as France’s third-choice goalkeeper during this international window. Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is also back in contention after missing out on the previous squad.
On the attacking front, PSG winger Bradley Barcola is absent following a severe injury to his right ankle ligaments, while Désiré Doué, also from PSG, features among Deschamps’ forward options.
France Squad Breakdown
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Lucas Chevalier | PSG |
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan | |
| Brice Samba | Rennes | |
| Defenders | Lucas Digne | Aston Villa |
| Malo Gusto | Chelsea | |
| L. Hernandez | PSG | |
| T. Hernandez | Al-Hilal | |
| Pierre Kalulu | Juventus | |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | |
| Midfielders | Eduardo Camavinga | Real Madrid |
| N’Golo Kanté | Al-Ittihad | |
| Manu Koné | Roma | |
| Adrien Rabiot | Milan | |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | Real Madrid | |
| Warren Zaïre-Emery | PSG | |
| Forwards | Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco |
| Rayan Cherki | Manchester City | |
| Ousmane Dembélé | PSG | |
| Désiré Doué | PSG | |
| Hugo Ekitike | Liverpool | |
| Randal Kolo Muani | Tottenham | |
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | |
| Michael Olise | Bayern Munich | |
| Marcus Thuram | Inter | |
Outlook for Les Bleus
With a blend of returning faces and emerging talent, Deschamps’ selection emphasises depth ahead of this important stateside tour. The matches against Brazil and Colombia will be vital preparation as France looks to build upon squad familiarity and adapt to North American conditions in the run-up to the next World Cup.
