Key Takeaways
- France’s coach Didier Deschamps omitted midfielder Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier (PSG) from the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Camavinga’s limited playing time and recent injuries influenced the decision; Chevalier has not featured since January after losing his PSG starter role to Matvei Safonov.
- Goalkeeper Robin Risser of Lens earned a surprise call‑up after a breakthrough season, winning Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper award and becoming the third‑choice keeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.
- Deschamps emphasized sporting performance as the primary selection criterion, while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of leaving out talented players.
- The squad retains a strong attacking core—Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Jean‑Philippe Mateta, and others—while aiming for a third World Cup title in Deschamps’ final tournament as head coach.
- France is placed in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway; the World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed Deschamps after the tournament, although he has not coached since his second stint at Real Madrid.
France’s 2026 World Cup roster, announced by head coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday, features several notable omissions that have sparked discussion among fans and pundits. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who was a key substitute in France’s runner‑up finish at the 2022 World Cup, did not make the cut. Deschamps explained that Camavinga endured a difficult season marked by reduced playing time and injuries, factors that weighed heavily in the selection process. Although the coach acknowledged Camavinga’s early integration into the national setup and his youth, he stressed the need to balance the squad across defensive, midfield, and attacking lines. The omission was described as a painful but necessary decision, with Deschamps expressing empathy for the player’s disappointment.
Similarly, PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was left out after losing his starting position to newly signed Russian international Matvei Safonov and subsequently not appearing in any matches since the end of January. Deschamps reiterated that sporting performance is the foremost criterion for selection, noting that Chevalier’s lack of recent game time made it impossible to justify his inclusion. The coach acknowledged that Chevalier may feel disappointed but emphasized that the decision was rooted in tangible on‑field evidence rather than reputation or past achievements.
In contrast, the squad welcomed a surprising addition: Robin Risser, the Lens goalkeeper who has enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1. Risser’s consistent performances helped Lens secure the second‑best defensive record in the league, earning him the league’s best goalkeeper award earlier in the week. Deschamps rewarded this form with a spot as the third‑choice keeper behind the established duo of Mike Maignan (AC Milan) and Brice Samba (Rennes). Risser’s inclusion underscores the coach’s commitment to rewarding current merit, even when it means overlooking more high‑profile names.
The attacking roster remains formidable, retaining the core that propelled France to recent success. Kylian Mbappé continues to lead the line, supported by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, emerging talents Désiré Doué and Michael Olise, creative midfielders Rayan Cherki and Jean‑Philippe Mateta, and experienced forwards such as Marcus Thuram and Bradley Barcola. This blend of youth and experience is intended to give Deschamps tactical flexibility while maintaining the team’s offensive potency. Defensively, the squad features a solid backline anchored by Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and others, providing a balanced foundation for the team’s ambitions.
Deschamps framed the upcoming tournament as both a personal and national milestone, announcing that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament as France’s head coach. Having taken over in 2012, he guided Les Bleus to victory in 2018 and a runner‑up finish in 2022. His departure opens the door for a likely succession by former legend Zinedine Zidane, who has not coached since his second spell at Real Madrid but is widely regarded as the natural heir to the position. Deschamps urged the squad to retain humility despite their status as tournament favorites, reminding them that while France possesses the talent to win, many other nations share similar aspirations.
The team has been drawn into Group I, where they will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the opening phase. The World Cup itself will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with matches scheduled from June 11 through July 19. As the countdown continues, the focus will be on how the selected squad integrates the blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, and whether Deschamps’ farewell campaign can culminate in a third world championship for France.