National team coach Didier Deschamps has announced his 26-man squad, with Kylian Mbappé set to lead France at the World Cup.
Published May 14, 2026
France coach Didier Deschamps has fielded a World Cup squad of formidable attacking talent, led by Kylian Mbappé, and rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser with a call-up to the high-profile competition after a breakthrough season.
Deschamps, who led France to glory at the 2018 World Cup and will step down after the tournament, said Thursday’s announcement of the 26-member squad contained few surprises.
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But Rissell, who plays for Reims, has been one of the revelations of the French league season, winning the best goalkeeper award earlier this week. He played a big role in making Lens the second-best defense in Ligue 1, and was selected by Deschamps for the No. 3 role behind Mike Maignan and Bris Samba.
France, aiming for their third World Cup title, is one of the favorites to win the tournament, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
France will play Group I against Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage.
Mbappe is likely to captain the team despite missing a crucial game in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener after sustaining a thigh injury last month.
The 27-year-old will be on the plane to North America as part of an impressive attacking line-up that includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, rising star Desiree Douye, Mikael Oliseh, Rayan Cherki and Magnes Akurios.
Cherki, 22, will make his World Cup debut after an impressive first season with Manchester City.
Deschamps also called up Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta from Randal Kolo Muani. The Tottenham striker was a late addition to France’s last World Cup squad four years ago. Kolo Mouani scored in the semi-final against Morocco and almost became a national hero in the final, but France lost to Argentina on penalties.
Deschamps’ reign began in 2012, with France winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final.
Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take his place, although he has not coached since the end of his second spell at Real Madrid, although he led the Spanish giants to three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.
France squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Mike Menyan, Bryce Samba, Robin Risser.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Maro Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kohn, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Choameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Magnes Acriuce, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiree Douye, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olisse, Marcus Thuram.
