Didier Deschamps, the manager of the French national football team, announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 14, 2026. The selection, revealed at a press conference in Paris, was marked by several difficult choices due to injuries to key players and the emergence of new talents.
Among the notable absentees is veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who has not been called up since retiring from international duty in 2024. Kylian Mbappé, the team captain, is included despite a recent muscle injury that raised doubts about his fitness. Deschamps also left out midfielder Adrien Rabiot, citing tactical reasons, while calling up young stars like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola.
The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with defenders Raphaël Varane and Lucas Hernandez providing leadership. Deschamps emphasized the importance of team cohesion and physical condition, stating, 'We have a strong group, but every tournament brings its challenges.' France is drawn in Group D alongside Argentina, Senegal, and Australia.
