Didier Deschamps has put together a 26-man France roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the announcement immediately sparked discussion because several familiar names were left out. The most eye-catching omissions are Eduardo Camavinga and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, two players many expected to be involved in the tournament.
France head to the competition as one of the leading contenders after finishing second in 2022. This time, Les Bleus will chase another title in a World Cup staged across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Why Camavinga Missed Out
Camavinga’s absence is the biggest talking point for many supporters. The Real Madrid midfielder was part of France’s path to the 2022 final, but his latest club season never fully got going. Reduced playing time, interrupted rhythm, and recurring fitness issues left him short of the form Deschamps wanted to see.
Deschamps said the decision came down to balance as much as reputation. In his view, the squad had to be built with the right mix across every line of the team, even if that meant leaving out a player with proven pedigree.
“He had a difficult season where he played less. He also dealt with injuries,” Deschamps explained. “He is still young, and he has been with us for a long time, but the balance of the squad has to be respected. I can imagine how disappointed he must feel.”
Goalkeeping Shake-Up Brings a Surprise
Chevalier’s exclusion is another major storyline. The PSG goalkeeper lost his starting place to Matvei Safonov and has not played since late January, making his omission easier to justify from a performance standpoint, even if it still raised eyebrows.
Deschamps made it clear that current form mattered most in the final selection.
- Mike Maignan remains the first-choice option.
- Brice Samba provides experienced backup.
- Robin Risser earns a first senior call-up after a breakout season with Lens.
Risser’s rise has been one of the more encouraging stories in French football. He was recently recognized as Ligue 1’s best shot-stopper and helped Lens finish with one of the strongest defensive records in the league. His reward is a place in the World Cup squad as the third goalkeeper.
A Deep and Dangerous Attack
Even without a few headline names, France still bring a frightening amount of attacking talent to North America. Kylian Mbappé leads the line again, and he will be joined by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, along with Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche.
The competition for places in the forward group is fierce, and Jean-Philippe Mateta has earned his spot after a strong season with Crystal Palace. His selection means Randal Kolo Muani misses out, despite having played a memorable role in France’s 2022 run, including a semifinal goal against Morocco and a near-winning chance in the final against Argentina.
Florian Thauvin is another notable omission after being shortlisted among the top Ligue 1 performers of the season. France’s attacking depth is so strong that even in-form players can be squeezed out.
- Kylian Mbappé brings speed, goals, and leadership.
- Ousmane Dembélé adds unpredictability and elite one-on-one quality.
- Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki offer creativity between the lines.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta gives the team a different physical profile up front.
Deschamps Prepares for His Final Campaign
This tournament will mark the end of Deschamps’ long run in charge of France. He confirmed earlier this year that he will step down after the World Cup, closing a remarkable spell that began in 2012 and produced the 2018 world title as well as the runner-up finish four years ago.
His departure has already fueled speculation about the next chapter. Zinedine Zidane is widely viewed as the leading candidate to take over, although he has not coached since leaving Real Madrid after his second spell there, where he won three Champions League trophies and two La Liga crowns.
What France Face in Group I
France have been drawn into Group I and will open the tournament against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. It is a group that should test different parts of the squad, from defensive organization to creativity in tight spaces.
Deschamps insisted that ambition must be matched by humility. He believes France belong in the small circle of teams capable of winning the trophy, but he also knows the margin for error at a World Cup is tiny. Confidence matters, but so does realism.
The Full France Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram