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Deschamps Announces Strong France World Cup Squad

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1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Didier Deschamps names France’s 26-man World Cup squad led by Mbappé and Dembélé as Les Bleus prepare for Senegal opener

France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled a 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, with a star-studded lineup led by captain Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé in Paris, France, on Thursday.

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The announcement confirms a powerful attacking group featuring Mbappé, who continues to lead France’s scoring charts, and Dembélé, who arrives after a prolific season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, remains central to France’s ambitions despite recent fitness concerns following a thigh injury, while Dembélé, fresh from a Champions League-winning campaign, is expected to play a key role in attack.

Deschamps’ squad also includes rising talents such as Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola, offering France a blend of experience and youth across the forward line.

In defence, Arsenal’s William Saliba joins a strong unit that also features Ibrahima Konaté and Jules Koundé, while Lucas Hernández and N’Golo Kanté remain among the few survivors of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad.

Goalkeeping duties will be led by Mike Maignan, with Brice Samba and uncapped Robin Risser providing backup options.

Several notable absentees include Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani, both of whom featured in the 2022 tournament, while Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike misses out due to injury.

Deschamps, who has guided France to back-to-back World Cup finals, has made several bold selection calls as he prepares for what is expected to be his final major tournament in charge.

France will begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey, before facing Iraq and Norway in their remaining Group I fixtures.