Kylian Mbappe leads France's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, joined by Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. Coach Didier Deschamps announced the lineup, which includes notable absentees like Eduardo Camavinga and Hugo Ekitike.
Key points
Kylian Mbappe leads France's World Cup squad
Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are also included
Eduardo Camavinga and Hugo Ekitike are notable absentees
France's first match is against Senegal on June 16
Kylian Mbappe will be on the plane to North America as part of a glittering French forward line, also featuring Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise (FRANCK FIFE)Kylian Mbappe will be on the plane to North America as part of a glittering French forward line, also featuring Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise (FRANCK FIFE)
(FRANCK FIFE/AFP/AFP)
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead France at the World Cup after coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday announced his 26-man squad for this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and will leave his role after the 2026 edition, included few surprises.
Mbappe will likely captain the team despite a thigh injury sustained last month, which caused him to miss key matches in Real Madrid's La Liga run-in.
However, the 27-year-old will be on the plane to North America as part of a glittering French forward line, also featuring Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
will make his World Cup debut.
The 22-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a sparkling debut season at , while his Premier League rival of will provide defensive solidity for .
Full-back and midfield dynamo N'Golo Kante are, alongside Mbappe and Dembele, the only survivors from Deschamps' World Cup-winning squad from eight years ago in Russia.
Lens goalkeeper is the only uncapped player in the squad.
"It's a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It's about balance and how the team comes together," Deschamps told French TV channel TF1.
Notable absentees are Real Madrid midfielder and PSG 'keeper , who has become second choice at the Parc des Princes since his high-profile transfer from last summer.
"I can imagine how disappointed he (Camavinga) must be," Deschamps said. "He's coming off a tough season where he didn't play as much and suffered injuries. (But) I've got decisions to make and a squad to put together."
striker will also not be a part of the squad after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in April.
"It's been part of my life for 14 years running. But if people are worried, I'm not retiring. I'll have a life of my own. The World Cup is the most important thing," Deschamps said of announcing his seventh and final France squad for a major international tournament.
France will start their Group I campaign against on June 16, before playing Iraq and .
Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens),  ()
Defenders: (Aston Villa/ENG), (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain),  (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: (), (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), (Crystal Palace/ENG), (Inter Milan/ITA)
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Q&A
Who are the key players in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup?
Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue are among the key players in France's squad.
What injuries are affecting France's World Cup squad?
Kylian Mbappe is recovering from a thigh injury, and Hugo Ekitike is out due to a season-ending Achilles injury.
When does France start their World Cup campaign?
France will begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16.
Who are the notable absentees from France's World Cup squad?
Notable absentees include Eduardo Camavinga and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
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