France confirm World Cup 2026 squad as Mbappé, Dembélé headline Deschamps’ Final Tournament

France manager Didier Deschamps has unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading a star-studded group heading to North America.

The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark Deschamps’ final World Cup campaign in charge of Les Bleus as the veteran coach prepares to step away from the national team after more than a decade at the helm.

France arrive as one of the tournament favourites, blending proven international experience with an exciting new generation of talent.

Mbappé included despite fitness concerns

Despite recent concerns surrounding Mbappé's fitness after the forward sustained a thigh injury during the closing weeks of his season with Real Madrid, Deschamps has retained faith in his talisman.

The French superstar is expected to captain the squad and remains central to France's hopes of winning a third World Cup title.

Mbappé is expected to operate alongside an impressive attacking unit featuring Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise, giving France one of the deepest forward lines at the tournament.

New faces join experienced core

Among the standout inclusions is Rayan Cherki, who earns his first World Cup call-up after an impressive debut season with Manchester City.

At the opposite end of the experience spectrum, veterans N'Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez remain key pieces of the squad. Alongside Mbappé and Dembélé, they are among the remaining members of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team.

Defensively, William Saliba, Jules Kounde, and Ibrahima Konate are expected to form the backbone of a defence built to complement France’s attacking strength.

France World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Alphonse Areola

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 chasing another World Cup crown

Deschamps already delivered World Cup success in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022. His final mission now is to guide France to another global title before ending his remarkable tenure.

With a squad combining elite experience, pace, creativity and emerging talent, Les Bleus appear positioned for another deep run on football’s biggest stage.

SportsLigue