All you need to know about France's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
France have always been one of the powerhouses in world football, especially over the past decade. After an underwhelming run at the 2014 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the group stage, the French redeemed themselves with a remarkable comeback at the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia.
Stacked with quality players in every position, Les Bleus went all the way to lift the coveted trophy by defeating Croatia in the final, claiming their second World Cup title and their first in 20 years.
In 2022, France were once again considered among the favorites and made it all the way to the final. However, they were denied by Argentina, with none other than Lionel Messi leading the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar.
Despite the defeat, French fans witnessed one of the greatest individual performances on the world stage, as Kylian Mbappe fought until the very end, becoming only the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, after Geoff Hurst of England in 1966.
As the showpiece event returns in 2026, Didier Deschamps' men will be determined to bring the trophy back to Paris, especially considering the incredible squad they have at their disposal. The French are well covered in all departments, with some of the top stars in world football.
GOAL looks at the players at their disposal.
- AFP
Goalkeepers
In the goalkeeping department, France will have no shortage of reliable options between the sticks. Mike Maignan of AC Milan is currently the first-choice goalkeeper in Didier Deschamps' side and is expected to start for Les Bleus at the tournament next year.
Meanwhile, West Ham United's Alphonse Areola is likely to serve as the backup. Areola has played a key role for the Hammers in the Premier League.
Lucas Chevalier and Brice Samba are also dependable choices to provide depth. Both currently play in Ligue 1 for Lille and Rennes respectively.
| Player |
Club |
| Mike Maignan |
AC Milan |
| Alphonse Areola |
West Ham |
| Lucas Chevalier |
Lille |
| Brice Samba |
Rennes |
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- Getty Images Sport
Defenders
As mentioned earlier, France are simply stacked with quality players in every position. Didier Deschamps will have a tough task finalizing his squad for the World Cup, especially with such an exceptional pool of talent.
Players like Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, Ferland Mendy, William Saliba, and Wesley Fofana are not only stars at their respective clubs but are also among the best defenders in Europe and the world. Kounde has been outstanding under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, while Konate has established himself as a defensive stalwart alongside Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. Saliba, meanwhile, has been instrumental in holding the backline for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Young talents such as Malo Gusto, Leny Yoro, and Loic Bade could also push for their place in the squad and may be given the opportunity to feature on the grandest stage of them all.
In conclusion, Deschamps will face a selection dilemma when finalizing his defensive line-up, but it’s certainly the kind of headache any manager would be glad to have.
| Player |
Club |
| Ibrahim Konate |
Liverpool |
| Jules Kounde |
Barcelona |
| Theo Hernandez |
AC Milan |
| Luas Hernandez |
PSG |
| Lucas Digne |
Aston Villa |
| Malo Gusto |
Chelsea |
| Loic Bade |
Sevilla |
| Ferland Mendy |
Real Madrid |
| Clement Lenglet |
Atletico Madrid |
| Leny Yoro |
Manchester United |
| Wesley Fofana |
Chelsea |
| Pierre Kalulu |
AC Milan |
| Dayot Upamecano |
Bayern Munich |
| William Saliba |
Arsenal |
| Nordi Mukiele |
PSG |
| Issa Diop |
Fulham |
| Axel Disasi |
Chelsea |
| Benjamin Pavard |
Bayern Munich |
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Midfielders
Similar to the defense, France have a wealth of quality players in midfield. Michael Olise has been outstanding for Bayern Munich in Germany since his move from Crystal Palace. Olise possesses sublime dribbling and playmaking abilities, ranking him among the best attacking midfielders in Europe.
Manchester City's recent signing from Lyon, Rayan Cherki, is another exciting talent for whom Deschamps may have big plans. Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have consistently been reliable performers under Deschamps and are expected to play influential roles for France at the World Cup.
Likewise, PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery has been a joy to watch in Ligue 1, showcasing maturity and composure despite still being in his teenage years.
Other solid options include Adrien Rabiot, Matteo Guendouzi, Manu Kone, and Georginio Rutter, all of whom could potentially contribute for Les Bleus on the biggest stage.
| Player |
Club |
| Michael Olise |
Bayern Munich |
| Eduardo Camavinga |
Real Madrid |
| Aurelien Tchouameni |
Real Madrid |
| Adrien Rabiot |
Marseille |
| Warren Zaire-Emery |
PSG |
| Matteo Guendouzi |
Lazio |
| Corentin Tolisso |
Lyon |
| Georginio Rutter |
Brighton |
| Manu Kone |
Roma |
| Boubacar Kamara |
Aston Villa |
| Youssouf Fofana |
AC Milan |
| Rayan Cherki |
Manchester City |
| Enzo Millot |
Stuttgart |
- Getty Images Sport
Attackers
Les Bleus are well-stocked in defense and midfield, but it is in attack where they are arguably at their strongest. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe has already scored in two World Cup finals and could very well add a third next year. The Golden Boot winner of the 2022 World Cup will once again be among the top contenders for goals at the 2026 tournament.
Supporting Mbappe on the wings is another star blessed with blistering pace and exceptional dribbling, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele. The former Barcelona winger has rediscovered his form since his move back to France, helping the Ligue 1 giants win their first-ever Champions League title under Luis Enrique. His recent performances for both club and country place him among the best players in the world, alongside Mbappe.
In addition to Dembele, two more PSG stars are front-runners for a place in the World Cup squad – Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. Both youngsters are extremely talented and played key roles in PSG’s treble-winning campaign in the 2024/25 season.
The likes of Marcus Thuram, Christopher Nkunku, and Kingsley Coman are also strong options who could prove to be game-changers for Deschamps' France at the World Cup.
| Player |
Club |
| Kylian Mbappe |
Real Madrid |
| Kingsley Coman |
Bayern Munich |
| Desire Doue |
PSG |
| Ousmane Dembele |
PSG |
| Marcus Thuram |
Inter Milan |
| Christopher Nkunku |
Chelsea |
| Randal Kolo-Muani |
Juventus |
| Jean-Phillipe Mateta |
Crystal Palace |
| Hugo Ekitike |
Frankfurt |
| Bradley Barcola |
PSG |
| Alexandre Lacazette |
Lyon |
