FIFA World Cup 2026: France Announce Strong Squad for Qualifiers – Check Full Squad

France begins their journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America with a trip to Poland to play Ukraine next Friday, September 5. They will also face Iceland to conclude the upcoming international break.

The 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up will look to field the strongest squad possible in North America next year to bring back the trophy. The World Cup Qualifiers serve as an excellent opportunity for coach Didier Deschamps to experiment with the squad.

France Squad

• Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
• Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
• Midfielders: Desire Doue (PSG), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Khephren Thuram (Juventus)
• Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Players To Keep an Eye On

• Maghnes Akliouche: The highly-rated Monaco winger has earned his first senior call-up to the France squad. He’s been on the fringes of the senior squad for quite some time now, and following a strong start to the season, he’s finally earned his spot. The 23-year-old winger has attracted interest from several top clubs around Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur.
• Rayan Cherki: He made his senior France bow in June in the UEFA Nations League finals. Since then, Cherki has earned a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, a statement of the potential he showed in his time at Lyon.
• Khephren Thuram: The Juventus midfielder joins his elder brother, Inter forward Marcus Thuram, in Deschamps’ setup. He could make his second appearance in the senior squad since his debut in early 2023.

Also read: Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Streaming: Where to Watch, Schedule, Squads, Format, and Key Details

Players Who Missed Out of the France Squad

• Hugo Ekitike: The Liverpool forward has enjoyed a bright start to his career at Liverpool. He’s scored two goals and assisted another in his first two appearances for the club. However, the France forward line is brimming with quality, but Deschamps continues to maintain an eye on the young striker.
• Randal Kolo Muani: The striker has been left out of the PSG squad following a transfer saga with Italian club Juventus. The French manager feels he’s lacking the athleticism and playing time to join the squad at the moment. He may integrate into the squad once a deal with Juventus is concluded.
• Leny Yoro: The young centre-back has been a standout performer for Manchester United despite their struggles. He’s quickly gaining traction from global audiences, with many drawing comparisons to former France World Cup winner, Raphael Varane. Despite his strong start, Yoro could only earn a call to the U-21 setup.

Conclusion

Didier Deschamps has once again placed his faith in a blend of proven veterans and rising talents. His decision highlights the fierce competition in one of the world’s most talented national teams. The players will look to cement their position as regulars in the national team set-up and guide France to World Cup glory in 2026.

Written by: Thillai Ritvik

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