France's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup includes Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. Manager Didier Deschamps emphasizes balance over individual brilliance.
France manager Didier Deschamps has named a star-studded 26-man squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup, featuring some of the nation's most talented players. Kylian Mbappe, who sits second on France's all-time scoring list behind only Olivier Giroud with 57 goals, and reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele lead an exciting attacking line-up.
Despite concerns over a recent thigh injury, Real Madrid forward Mbappe is expected to captain the team during the tournament. In contrast, Dembele heads into the World Cup in outstanding form after scoring 35 goals and helping Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League last season. The winger also became just the second French player this century to claim the Ballon d'Or.
Michael Olise, currently with Bayern Munich, and PSG youngster Desire Doue add further firepower in attack. Rayan Cherki and William Saliba are among seven Premier League-based players included in the squad.
Mikel Arteta's former midfielder N'Golo Kante is also part of the squad, along with Lucas Hernandez, who was a key member of France's 2018 World Cup-winning team. However, several notable omissions have been made ahead of what will be Deschamps' final major tournament in charge.
Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani have both been left out, along with goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Uncapped Robin Risser joins Brice Samba as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Hugo Ekitike is absent after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in April.
"It's a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players," Deschamps told French television channel TF1, emphasizing balance over individual brilliance. "I can imagine how disappointed [Camavinga] must be. He's coming off a tough season where he didn't play as much and suffered injuries."
France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal national football team in New York City on June 16 before facing Iraq national football team on June 22 and Norway national football team on June 26 in Group I.
France World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan) Robin Risser (Lens) Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) Malo Gusto (Chelsea) Lucas Hernandez (Paris St-Germain) Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal) Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) Jules Kounde (Barcelona) William Saliba (Arsenal) Dayot Upamenaco (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbache) Manu Kone (Roma) Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan) Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid) Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain) Rayan Cherki (Man City) Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain) Desire Doue (Paris St-Germain) Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace) Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
