Mbappe Leads France World Cup Squad

May 14, 2026

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on May 14, 2026 shows (from L to R and top to bottom) France's head coach Didier Deschamps, goalkeepers Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes), defenders Lucas Digne (Aston Vila), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Wlliam Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), midfielders NGolo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Rome), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG) and forwards Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) and Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan). France manager Didier Deschamps unveiled a 26-man squad on May 14, 2026 for the 2026 World Cup (11 June 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada), with Lucas Chevalier omitted as third-choice goalkeeper in favour of Robin Risser. Deschamps, who will manage Les Bleus for the last time before stepping down at the end of the tournament, has also called up striker Jean-Philippe Mateta (28, 3 caps, 2 goals) to replace Hugo Ekitike, who is out with a serious Achilles tendon injury, and defender Maxence Lacroix (26, 2 caps). (Photo by various sources / AFP)

Kylian Mbappe will lead the French team to this year’s World Cup after national team coach Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Deschamps, who guided France to victory in 2018 and will step down after this edition, included a few surprises in his selection.

Despite a thigh injury sustained last month that caused him to miss key La Liga matches with Real Madrid, 27-year-old Mbappe is expected to captain Les Bleus. His inclusion ensures France boasts one of the most formidable attacking line-ups in world football, featuring Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and a blend of Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

The squad also welcomes fresh talent, with Rayan Cherki making his World Cup debut after an impressive season with Manchester City. Arsenal’s William Saliba will reinforce France’s defensive stability, complementing experienced campaigners such as full-back Lucas Hernandez and midfield powerhouse N’Golo Kante.

Notably, only Mbappe, Dembele, Hernandez, and Kante remain from the squad that lifted the trophy in Russia eight years ago, highlighting a careful balance between experience and emerging talent.

France’s football team head-coach Didier Deschamps gives a press conference after unveiling his 26-man squad for the World Cup 2026 football tournament in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris on May 14, 2026. (Photo by SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP)

With Deschamps leading the team for his final World Cup and Mbappe’s leadership central to France’s strategy, Les Bleus aim to combine seasoned composure with youthful energy.

Their mix of established stars and rising talent positions them as one of the favourites heading into the summer’s global tournament.

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)

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.