National team coach Didier Deschamps has revealed the final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where France, the runners-up in the last tournament, will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the group stage.

Prominent absences include Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chavalière, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani. In their stead, Deschamps has included Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. The third-choice goalkeeper will be Lann’s Robin Riser.

Before announcing the names of the selected players, Deschamps addressed the national television channel TF1: “Given the large number of players, both in terms of quantity and quality, many will not be part of the squad. Considering the additional qualifying round and high temperatures, I want to have maximum security. This will make some people unhappy. Of course, I am emotional at this moment. Even if I am a professional, I am a human being too. I am aware that I will disappoint some people and their spouses, children, families... But it's about competition. The list was finalized last night. We still needed to play some matches, and injuries are always possible. Speaking of this, my thoughts are with the injured Yugo Ekike. I have no tension, but I have a requirement: France must be among the favorites. Of course. But there are still six or seven other teams. This is the biggest tournament, and the best participate in it. Expectations are high during the summer. France has been in the top three of FIFA's rankings for the last eight years.”

DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

FRENCH 2026 WORLD CUP SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Riser

Defenders: Jules Koundé, Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, Theo Hernández, Lucas Hernández, Maxence Lacroix

Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, Warren Zaire-Emery, N'Golo Kanté

Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembéle, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Magnus Aklou, Marcus Thuram, Bradley Diallo, Jean-Philippe Mateta