France manager Didier Deschamps named his 26-man World Cup squad, assembling a deep attacking roster headlined by Kylian Mbappe. The French side enter the tournament among the top title contenders at +450 odds, drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
The most prominent omission was Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who had featured in March's friendly matches. A difficult club season, including a costly red card against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, contributed to his exclusion.
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta earned the most notable selection. Called up for the first time only last October, Mateta overcame a knee injury, a failed January transfer to AC Milan, and a strained relationship with Palace supporters to secure his place. His strong finish to the club season, highlighted by a two-goal performance against Newcastle, proved decisive.
Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, was left out despite nearly winning the 2022 World Cup final with a late chance in the 123rd minute. Ligue 1's top scorer, Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul with 19 goals, was also passed over.
RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser earned his first national team call-up after a strong club campaign. He slots in as third-choice keeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the tournament after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the Champions League.
"Hugo is one of about 10 young players who have made their debuts for the national team in recent months," said Deschamps. "He had integrated perfectly into the group, both on and off the pitch. This injury is a huge blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team."
France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. They previously won the tournament in 1998 and 2018, and lost the 2022 final to Argentina.
France's 26-Man World Cup Squad
• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
• Defenders: Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal)
• Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)





