France National Football Team World Cup 2026 Squad

Didier Deschamps has named his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where France will face Iraq, Norway, and Senegal in Group I. There are expectations and demands, of course,” Deschamps told TF1. “That’s also our fault, because if we’re where we are today, it’s because we’ve won a lot of matches more than our opponents. That we’re among the favourites is only natural, but there are other teams too. I could name six or seven. This is a World Cup, the biggest competition of them all. The very best teams are there.

While there was little suspense surrounding most of Deschamps’ choices. He is set to lead Les Bleus in his third consecutive World Cup a few positions caused uncertainty, notably the third-choice goalkeeper. In the end, 21-year-old RC Lens shot-stopper Robin Risser, recently voted Ligue 1’s Best Goalkeeper at the UNFP Awards, was selected behind the unbeatable duo of Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.

Up front, doubts lingered after Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles tendon rupture ruled him out of the tournament. Jean-Philippe Mateta returns to the attack, having featured in three qualifiers and scored two goals. Randal Kolo Muani, who scored in the 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco at Qatar 2022, misses out after a disappointing season with Tottenham Hotspur. In contrast, Maxence Lacroix earned his place after impressing during the last international camp.

Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola, Manu Koné, and Jules Koundé all absent through injury for the March matches against Brazil and Colombia are back.

France: footballscore.news