2018 World Champions France have officially announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The announcement, made by the French Football Federation (FFF), confirms a formidable and largely experienced group as Les Bleus bid to go one step further than their runner-up finish at the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Head coach Didier Deschamps has assembled a squad that blends the creative brilliance of a youthful generation with the proven experience of senior players. The selection carries star player Kylian Mbappé and the defensive solidity of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
Goalkeepers
Between the posts, Deschamps has placed his trust in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as the first choice, with Rémy Risser and Brice Samba providing reliable cover. Maignan, who has established himself as one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers, will carry the responsibility of protecting a French backline with genuine depth.
Defence
The defensive unit is consist of Jules Koundé and William Saliba while the Hernandez brothers, Lucas and Theo offer dynamic options at left back. Versatile options such as Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, and Maxime Lacroix further reinforce a back line that conceded just twice in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
N’Golo Kanté, long considered one of football’s greatest defensive midfielders, returns to the international stage after injury interruptions threatened his World Cup participation. He is joined by Manu Koné, Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and the gifted Warren Zaïre-Emery, whose inclusion at his debut major tournament underlines the depth of French midfield talent.
Attack
Kylian Mbappé leads the line as captain and talisman, supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola add width and creativity, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marcus Thuram provide physicality and goal threat through the centre. The emerging talents of Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué, and Amine Akliouche complete an attacking contingent that offers Deschamp tactical flexibility.
France open their campaign on 16 June against a Senegal side that will provide an immediate test of their chances of winning the World Cup.
A Group Stage meeting with Iraq on 22 June offers what should be a more manageable opposition before a finale against Norway in Foxborough on 26 June.