France World Cup 2026 Squad Named — Camavinga Out, Mateta In

Didier Deschamps named his final 26-man France squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on May 14. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani are the most prominent omissions. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta earns his first World Cup selection alongside defender Maxence Lacroix. Football News outlets reported the squad live as Deschamps read out the names at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris. France enter Group I and face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the group stage. The announcement is expected to be Deschamps’ last major squad decision before he steps down after the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé leads the attack alongside PSG-heavy forward options. The 26-man selection reflects Deschamps’ preference for proven defensive solidity combined with explosive wide attacking talent. France face their opening group match on June 12 at FIFA World Cup 2026 host venues in the United States. The squad travels to their North American base camp in the final days of May for acclimatization ahead of the tournament.

France World Cup 2026 Full Squad — All 26 Players

Deschamps selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders, and ten forwards for the tournament. The full squad is listed below by position.

Goalkeepers

• Mike Maignan — AC Milan
• Brice Samba — Rennes
• Robin Risser — Lens

Defenders

• Lucas Digne — Aston Villa
• Malo Gusto — Chelsea
• Lucas Hernandez — PSG
• Theo Hernandez — Al-Hilal
• Ibrahima Konaté — Liverpool
• Jules Koundé — Barcelona
• Maxence Lacroix — Crystal Palace
• William Saliba — Arsenal
• Dayot Upamecano — Bayern Munich

Midfielders

• N’Golo Kanté — Fenerbahçe
• Manu Koné — AS 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
• Jean-Philippe Mateta — Crystal Palace
• Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid
• Michael Olise — Bayern Munich
• Marcus Thuram — Inter Milan

Camavinga and Kolo Muani: The Big Omissions

Eduardo Camavinga’s exclusion is the selection decision generating the most debate. The Real Madrid midfielder started in the 2022 World Cup final and has been a key part of the French setup for three seasons. Deschamps cited current form and competition for midfield spots as the deciding factors. Manu Koné’s strong season at AS Roma gave the manager a reliable alternative with higher energy output in pressing situations. Warren Zaïre-Emery’s inclusion at just nineteen years of age signals a clear generational shift in the French midfield.

Randal Kolo Muani also misses out despite returning to form at PSG in the second half of the season. Deschamps opted for Mateta’s directness and aerial presence as a different striking option alongside Mbappé and Thuram. Michael Olise’s inclusion after an impressive season at Bayern Munich adds a pacey wide option with a strong goal return. The selection of Rayan Cherki from Manchester City rewards his breakthrough campaign in the Premier League. The England top flight contributed three players to this squad, reflecting the growing influence of the Premier League on French football development.

Group I: France vs Senegal, Iraq, and Norway

France face a manageable group stage on paper. Senegal provide the stiffest challenge, featuring Sadio Mané and a strong defensive unit. Iraq and Norway represent winnable fixtures for Deschamps’ side. France are expected to top Group I and advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament favourites. The group matches take place across three host cities between June 11 and July 2. If France finish top of Group I, they face the runner-up from Group J in the Round of 32.

Deschamps has coached France since 2012 and delivered the 2018 World Cup title. His record in major tournaments makes him one of the most decorated international managers in history. This 2026 squad carries significant experience alongside genuine youth depth. Players like Zaïre-Emery and Cherki give France options that other nations cannot match at the same age profile. The USA hosting environment suits France’s fitness-focused preparation style, with high-quality training facilities available in each host city. France are considered strong contenders to reach the MetLife Stadium final on July 19.

Deschamps’ Final Tournament

Multiple sources confirm that Deschamps intends to step down as France manager after the 2026 tournament. His contract runs until the end of the competition. The French Football Federation is already identifying candidates to lead the next era. Zinedine Zidane remains the most frequently mentioned successor, though no formal approach has been confirmed. Deschamps addressed the speculation at the squad announcement press conference, stating his full focus remains on winning the tournament. This squad selection reflects a manager who is building for immediate success, not long-term transition.

The Brazil squad announcement on May 18 and the Germany announcement on May 21 complete the picture for the tournament’s top contenders. France enter 2026 as one of four nations genuinely capable of lifting the trophy. Mbappé, now fully fit after his hamstring scare in May, leads a forward line that no other group stage opponent can match. The expectation in France is clear — a second world title in eight years is the only acceptable outcome for Deschamps and his squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

France’s group stage campaign begins on June 12. All eyes will be on Mbappé as he leads his nation’s bid for a second World Cup title.

Stay tuned to FWCTimes.com for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates.

Read Also: England and Brazil Confirm World Cup 2026 Squad Dates