Didier Deschamps has revealed France’s 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the list immediately produced both excitement and discussion. As expected, the squad is packed with elite talent, but several high-profile exclusions have drawn as much attention as the players who made the cut.

France enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders after finishing second in 2022. Their road to another title begins in a competition hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The biggest surprise omissions

The most eye-catching absence is Eduardo Camavinga. The Real Madrid midfielder, who was part of France’s run to the final in Qatar, will not be going this time after a season interrupted by injuries and limited playing time.

Deschamps addressed that decision directly, saying the midfielder’s reduced minutes and physical setbacks weighed heavily in the selection process. He also emphasized squad balance, noting that choices had to be made across every line of the team.

Another headline omission is Lucas Chevalier. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has not played since late January after losing his starting role, and Deschamps made it clear that recent match rhythm mattered most.

Who earned a place instead

One of the clearest winners from the announcement was Robin Risser. The Lens goalkeeper received his first senior call-up after an impressive season and was rewarded for his steady rise in Ligue 1. He enters the squad as the third goalkeeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.

The selection reflects a familiar Deschamps pattern: current form and competitive sharpness matter as much as reputation. That approach helped open the door for new faces while leaving some established names on the outside.

• Robin Risser earned his first senior call-up after a breakout season with Lens.
• Lucas Chevalier missed out after a long stretch without regular minutes.
• Camavinga was left out after injuries and a quieter club campaign.

Attack depth remains France’s biggest strength

If the omissions generated debate, the attacking group offered little room for doubt. France will travel with a frightening forward line that includes Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta also made the final roster, getting the nod ahead of Randal Kolo Muani.

That decision adds another layer of intrigue, since Kolo Muani has already delivered key moments for France in major tournaments. Even so, Deschamps favored Mateta’s current profile and the overall balance of the group.

The coach said he wants ambition inside the dressing room, but not arrogance. France know they belong among the favorites, yet Deschamps stressed that the tournament is crowded with serious contenders and that no team wins it by talking alone.

A final chapter for Deschamps

This World Cup also marks the end of an era. Deschamps has already confirmed that he will step down after the tournament, closing a managerial spell that began in 2012 and delivered the 2018 World Cup title along with a runner-up finish in 2022.

Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed him, though nothing has been formally announced. For now, the focus remains on the squad Deschamps has chosen and the challenge ahead in North America.

France were drawn into Group I and will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the opening stage. With that lineup and this talent pool, expectations will remain high from the start.

France’s 2026 World Cup 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