Deschamps unveils France’s star-studded World Cup squad and hands Robin Risser surprise call-up

TL;DR

France coach Didier Deschamps has announced a talented World Cup squad, featuring a surprise call-up for goalkeeper Robin Risser. The team aims for a third title, competing in Group I against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.

Key points

Didier Deschamps announces France's World Cup squad
Robin Risser receives a surprise call-up
France aims for a third World Cup title
Team drawn in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway
Deschamps to step down after the tournament

Mentioned in this story

Didier DeschampsRobin RisserZinedine Zidane

FranceLensSenegalIraq

France coach Didier Deschamps assembled a squad with formidable attacking talent for the World Cup and rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser with a call-up for the showpiece tournament following his breakthrough season. Risser, who plays for Lens, has been one of the revelations of the French league season and won the award for the best goalkeeper earlier this week. He played a big role in making Lens the second-best defense in Ligue 1 and was selected by Deschamps in a No. 3 role behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. France is looking for a third World Cup title and is among the favorites for the event taking place from June 11-July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. France has been drawn in Group I and will take on Senegal, Iraq and Norway during the group stage. Deschamps is gifted with an impressive attacking reservoir including Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, rising star , , Rayan and . He also called up forward , who was preferred to in his 26-man list. The Tottenham striker had been a late addition to France’s previous World Cup squad four years ago. Kolo Muani scored a goal against in the semifinals and in the final before France lost to in a penalty shootout. It will be Deschamps’s final tournament. He announced this year that he will stop after the World Cup, ending a successful reign which began in 2012 and saw France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final. Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, although he has not coached since ending his second spell in charge of , leading the Spanish giant to three Champions League and two La Liga titles. \\_ Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser. Defenders: , , , , Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, , , . Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, , Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery. Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, , , Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, .

Q&A

Who is Robin Risser and why was he called up to the World Cup squad?

Robin Risser is a goalkeeper for Lens, recognized for his outstanding performance this season, which earned him a surprise call-up to the French World Cup squad.

What teams will France face in the World Cup group stage?

France will compete in Group I against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the World Cup group stage.

What is Didier Deschamps' future after the World Cup?

Didier Deschamps has announced that the World Cup will be his final tournament as coach of France, with Zinedine Zidane expected to take over afterward.