Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé lead France squad for 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbappé will spearhead France’s bid for a third global title after national team coach Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad on Thursday for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and has confirmed he will step down following this edition, opted for a mix of established superstars and breakout talent.

Mbappé is expected to captain the side despite a recent thigh injury that sidelined him during Real Madrid’s final La Liga fixtures. 

Joining the 27-year-old in a formidable forward line are Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué. The squad also features a major tournament debut for Rayan Cherki, the 22-year-old playmaker who has impressed at Manchester City this season.

Notable omissions include Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and forward Randal Kolo Muani, with Deschamps citing Camavinga’s injury-plagued season and lack of consistency. 

Only four players—Mbappé, Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, and N’Golo Kanté—remain from the squad that lifted the trophy in Russia eight years ago. France has been drawn in Group I and will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the opening stage.

France’s 26-Man World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahce), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)