Didier Deschamps has revealed his 26-player France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and two major names are missing: Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Chevalier. The omissions are the biggest talking point as Les Bleus prepare for a tournament in which they will again be expected to contend for the title.
Big names left out
Camavinga’s absence stands out most. The Real Madrid midfielder played a limited role this season and also dealt with injury issues, which cost him valuable rhythm at club level. Deschamps made it clear that form and availability guided the final decision.
Chevalier is another surprise exclusion. The PSG goalkeeper lost his place and has not played regularly for months, opening the door for Robin Risser to earn a first senior call-up after an impressive campaign with Lens.
- Camavinga: reduced minutes and recurring fitness problems
- Chevalier: long spell without consistent match time
- Risser: rewarded for strong Ligue 1 performances
A stacked group of attackers
France still arrives in North America with one of the deepest attacking pools in the competition. Kylian Mbappé leads the line, while Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche give Deschamps plenty of creative options.
Jean-Philippe Mateta also made the squad, edging Randal Kolo Muani for a place. Florian Thauvin, despite being among the leading domestic performers, was another notable omission from the final list.
“You do not win a World Cup by declaring yourself the strongest,” Deschamps said, stressing ambition without overconfidence.
Deschamps is nearing the end
This tournament will be Deschamps’ final one in charge of France. He has already confirmed that he will step down after the event, closing a remarkable run that began in 2012 and brought a 2018 World Cup title plus a runner-up finish in 2022.
Talk around the role has naturally turned toward Zinedine Zidane, who is widely seen as the leading candidate to replace him.
France’s 2026 squad at a glance
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
Group stage outlook
France will begin its campaign in Group I, where Senegal, Iraq, and Norway await. The roster looks balanced enough to handle the pressure, but the missing names ensure Deschamps’ final World Cup squad is already under a microscope.
