France announces 2026 World Cup squad, omitting Camavinga and Muani

Kylian Mbappé will lead France at the World Cup after coach Didier Deschamps announced a 26‑man squad on Thursday for the tournament held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Deschamps, who steered France to the 2018 World Cup title and is set to depart after the 2026 tournament, made few unexpected selections.

Mbappé is expected to captain the side even though a thigh injury last month forced him to miss important fixtures in Real Madrid’s La Liga closing stages.

The 27‑year‑old will travel to North America as part of a star‑filled French attack that also includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Paris Saint‑Germain’s Dédé and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

Rayan Cherki will make his World Cup debut. The 22‑year‑old playmaker has had a brilliant first season with Manchester City, while Premier League defender William Saliba of Arsenal will add defensive strength to the squad.

Full‑back Lucas Hernandez and midfield dynamo N’Golo Kante, together with Mbappé and Dembélé, are the sole members remaining from Deschamps’ 2018 World Cup‑winning team in Russia.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint‑Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace/ENG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)

Vanguard News

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