Mbappé to Lead France in Deschamps' Final World Cup Campaign
As France finalizes its preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled a 26-man squad headlined by captain Kylian Mbappé. The announcement, made during a televised broadcast on Thursday evening, also confirmed that this tournament will mark Deschamps' final campaign at the helm of Les Bleus.
According to reports from both France 24 and RFI, Mbappé, 27, will spearhead the French attack despite a thigh injury sustained last month that caused him to miss key matches for Real Madrid in La Liga. Deschamps' decision to retain Mbappé as captain underscores the forward's central role in the team's ambitions.
The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Notably, Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, Paris Saint-Germain's Désiré Doué, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise are included in a formidable forward line. Rayan Cherki, who has impressed at Manchester City this season, is set to make his World Cup debut, according to the same sources.
Veterans Lucas Hernandez and N'Golo Kante are among the survivors from the 2018 World Cup-winning squad, providing continuity and leadership. The full roster, as reported by both outlets, includes goalkeepers Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, and Brice Samba; defenders Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano; midfielders N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Warren Zaire-Emery; and forwards Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Notable Omissions and Surprises
One of the most discussed decisions is the exclusion of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Both France 24 and RFI report that Camavinga, who featured at the 2022 World Cup and became the second youngest player to debut for France at 17 years and 303 days, was left out due to a difficult season marked by limited playing time and injuries.
Deschamps addressed the decision in comments carried by both outlets, expressing empathy for the player: "It's a tough situation," he said. "Eduardo is coming off a difficult season in Spain where he didn't get much playing time. He's also had some injuries. It's true that he became part of the France team very early but he's still a young player. But I understand and I can imagine how hugely disappointed he must be."
Another surprise, as highlighted by RFI, is the inclusion of Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was not part of the squad during the qualifying campaign. Deschamps explained the decision to French television presenter Gilles Bouleau: "He's a player we've been tracking all season," the coach said. "Mateta has also had the opportunity to join us on our recent tour of the United States where he performed well. What he did there opened up the possibility for him to return to the team for this World Cup."
A Coach's Legacy and the Road Ahead
Deschamps, who captained France to its first World Cup title in 1998 and later guided the team to victory in 2018, will step down after this tournament, according to multiple reports. His tenure has been marked by a pragmatic approach and a knack for managing high-profile personalities, and the selection reflects his desire to blend proven performers with fresh energy.
France has been drawn into Group I for the tournament, though specific opponents were not detailed in the available reports. The team will look to build on its runner-up finish in the 2022 World Cup, where it lost to Argentina in a dramatic final.
The announcement has generated considerable attention, with fans and pundits debating the squad's composition. However, Deschamps' track record suggests he will trust his instincts as he seeks to deliver a fitting farewell.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how Mbappé recovers from his injury and whether the blend of youth and experience can propel France to a third World Cup star. With Deschamps at the helm for one last ride, the stakes could not be higher.