Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday evening, appearing on Gilles Bouleau’s program to reveal the selections. The squad features a mix of established players and a few surprises, with Robin Risser of Lens earning his first senior call-up as the third-choice goalkeeper.
Risser’s inclusion comes after he was named the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 on Monday, edging out Lucas Chevalier of Paris Saint-Germain, who is currently injured, and Hugo Lloris, who had expressed interest in a return to the national team. The selection marks a significant moment in the young keeper’s career.
Another notable inclusion is Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been chosen ahead of Randal Kolo Muani. Mateta’s strong recent form with Palace appears to have swayed Deschamps, while Eduardo Camavinga misses out after a challenging season. Maxence Lacroix, also of Crystal Palace, also received a call-up for the first time in March and has retained his place.
The squad otherwise largely reflects familiar faces, with the Hernandez brothers, Lucas and Theo, anchoring the defense alongside regulars such as Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, and William Saliba. The midfield boasts a strong contingent including N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Warren Zaïre-Emery. A formidable attacking line-up features Kylian Mbappé, Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise, Maghnes Akliouche, Marcus Thuram, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, and Mateta.
The full squad list is as follows: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes); Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelone), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich); N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG); Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter). This selection aims to blend experience with emerging talent as France prepares for the tournament.
