Kylian Mbappe will lead France into the 2026 FIFA World Cup after national team coach Didier Deschamps officially unveiled his 26-man squad for the tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The squad announcement confirms that Mbappe will remain central to France’s ambitions despite concerns over the thigh injury he suffered during the closing stages of Real Madrid’s season.
Although the injury forced him to miss several important La Liga matches, Deschamps has kept faith in his captain, who is expected to spearhead one of the strongest attacking units at the tournament.
The France coach, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, is preparing for his final major tournament before stepping down after the 2026 edition.
France’s forward line is packed with elite attacking talent.
Joining Mbappe are reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, rising Paris Saint-Germain sensation Desire Doue, and Michael Olise of Bayern Munich.
One of the most talked about inclusions is Rayan Cherki, who earns his first World Cup call-up after an impressive debut season with Manchester City.
The 22-year-old playmaker has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting creative midfielders and is expected to add flair and unpredictability to the French attack.
Defensively, William Saliba of Arsenal headlines a solid backline alongside experienced names like Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano.
Only four players remain from the France squad that lifted the World Cup in Russia eight years ago.
Those survivors include Mbappe, Dembele, Lucas Hernandez, and midfield veteran N’Golo Kanté.
Kante’s inclusion is particularly notable after the midfielder rebuilt his form following moves away from Europe’s traditional elite leagues.
France enters the tournament among the favorites once again, combining experienced winners with a new generation of explosive attacking talent.
With Deschamps preparing for one final shot at World Cup glory before ending his long reign, expectations around Les Bleus will be enormous heading into the summer tournament.
France 2026 World Cup 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 Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram
