France at the 2026 World Cup: Firepower and Deschamps' Final Test
Al Jazeera Staff
France enters the 2026 World Cup as a top contender with immense attacking talent including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, must balance his squad after controversial omissions like Eduardo Camavinga.
France enters the 2026 World Cup as a top contender, underscored by a rich pool of talent. With 16 appearances, two titles (1998, 2018) and a No. 1 FIFA ranking, Les Bleus aim for a third crown under departing coach Didier Deschamps, who has announced he will leave after the tournament.
The spotlight falls on Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid forward needs just two more goals to surpass Just Fontaine's 13-goal World Cup record. This season, Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid despite some injuries. However, his form at previous World Cups has been inconsistent, though he produced a hat-trick in the 2022 final.
Alongside Mbappe, France boasts Ousmane Dembele – the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner – who just led PSG to a second consecutive Champions League title. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) had a stellar season, while Desire Doue (PSG, 21) is a promising young talent. Despite Hugo Ekitike's absence with an Achilles injury, the attack includes Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
France's defense is equally strong: William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), and full-backs Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan (AC Milan) is a reliable anchor, while Robin Risser (Lens) earned a surprise call-up over Lucas Chevalier.
Deschamps, 57, has been criticized for his pragmatic, results-first style. He once said: 'I don't force anyone to watch this team. If they don't like it, they can change the channel.' The most contentious squad decision was dropping midfielder Eduardo Camavinga due to poor form at Real Madrid. Deschamps explained: 'This is a balanced squad, not necessarily the 26 best players.'
In Group I, France faces Senegal (world No. 14) in the opener – a reminder of their 2002 defeat. Iraq (No. 57) and especially Norway with Erling Haaland pose further challenges. Norway swept qualifying with 8 wins from 8 matches.
France's group-stage fixtures:
- June 16: France vs Senegal (East Rutherford, USA), 19:00 GMT
- June 22: France vs Iraq (Philadelphia, USA), 21:00 GMT
- June 26: Norway vs France (Boston, USA), 19:00 GMT
Prediction: Runners-up if they face Spain in the final, champions if they face any other opponent. Spain may have the edge in cohesion and composure.
France's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG).
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).
