France national team manager Didier Deschamps has officially named his 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, headlined by a wealth of elite attacking talent and a surprise maiden call-up for breakout Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, who has capped a breakthrough domestic season with a spot in the world’s most prestigious international tournament.
The 26-year-old Risser has been one of the standout revelations of the recent Ligue 1 campaign, cementing his place as one of the top shot-stoppers in France’s top flight. Earlier this week, he was honored with the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Season award for his key role in helping Lens secure the league’s second-best defensive record. He will join the squad as the third-choice goalkeeper behind starter Mike Maignan and backup Brice Samba. Speaking to French broadcaster TF1 following the announcement, Risser expressed overwhelming emotion at his selection. “I’m full of pride, it’s something incredible,” he said. “I can’t find the words. It’s just extraordinary. It was one of my dreams.”
Heading into the June 11 to July 19 tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, France enters as one of the pre-tournament favorites, targeting a third men’s World Cup title to add to their 1998 and 2018 honors. Drawn in Group I, Les Bleus will kick off their campaign against Group stage opponents Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Deschamps’ squad boasts one of the most dangerous attacking corps in the tournament, led by global superstar Kylian Mbappé and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. The talented forward group also includes exciting young prospects Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche. Notably, Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta earned a spot in the final 26, beating out 2022 World Cup semi-final hero Randal Kolo Muani, who made a last-minute addition to France’s squad in Qatar four years ago and nearly secured legendary status after hitting a late match chance in the final against Argentina, which France lost on penalties.
Several high-profile players missed out on selection, including Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Chevalier has been unable to secure regular first-team minutes since losing his starting spot to new signing Matvey Safonov at the club, and has not featured in competitive action since late January. Explaining his selection criteria, Deschamps emphasized current form and playing time as the deciding factors. “The main criteria is sporting performance,” Deschamps said. “I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn’t played for several months anymore. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn’t get any.” Lens winger Florian Thauvin, who was nominated for Ligue 1 Player of the Season this year, also missed out on a call-up.
This World Cup will mark the final tournament for Deschamps, who took charge of Les Bleus in 2012 and led the side to the 2018 World Cup title and a runner-up finish in 2022. He confirmed earlier this year that he would step down from his role following the 2026 tournament. “It’s a special feeling. I did many things today for the last time,” he said. “The most important thing is today and tomorrow. We are focused on the World Cup.”
Former French World Cup-winning captain Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to take over the national team role following Deschamps’ departure. Zidane has not held a senior coaching position since concluding his second successful spell at the helm of Real Madrid, where he led the Spanish giants to three UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns.
Full France 2026 World Cup Squad:
– Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
– Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Théo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
– Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery
– Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram