France coach Didier Deschamps has revealed a thrilling squad packed with firepower and surprise omissions ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe headlines the list and is expected to captain despite recent injury concerns. Alongside him, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele brings form and flair into attack.
Only Olivier Giroud has scored more for France than Mbappe’s 56 goals. That record shows his central importance to Deschamps’ final tournament in charge.
Dembele’s rise has been remarkable, with 35 goals and a Champions League title last season. Yet, he still seeks his first World Cup goal.
Key players and surprise omissions
The attack looks electric, with Michael Olise and Desire Doue adding youthful dynamism. Meanwhile, Rayan Cherki and William Saliba headline the Premier League contingent.
However, notable absences include Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani, and 2025-26 Ligue 1 top scorer Estéban Lepaul. Rennes striker Lepaul was left out of France’s World Cup squad despite scoring 20 times in 33 league appearances, becoming the first player since 2015 to finish as the league’s top scorer while playing for a club other than PSG.
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“It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together,” Deschamps said.
“I can imagine how disappointed [Camavinga] must be. He’s coming off a tough season..,” Deschamps stated when asked about Camavinga’s exclusion.
France begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal before facing Iraq and Norway in Group I. Expectations remain sky-high for a squad built to compete.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram.
France names World Cup squad with Mbappe leading, surprise omissions, and a dynamic attack shaping Deschamps’ final tournament bid.
