Didier Deschamps has announced his 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place next month across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The French roster includes four prominent players from Italy’s Serie A league.
Representing Serie A are AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan and his midfield teammate Adrien Rabiot. Adding to the Italian league’s presence is AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné, who earns a spot on the team as he approaches his 25th birthday this weekend. Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram also makes the cut, fresh off a successful domestic season with his club, having secured both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.
Notably absent from the squad is Marcus Thuram’s younger brother, Khephren Thuram, a midfielder for Juventus. Coach Deschamps has also made several surprising decisions, opting to leave out players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and former Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.
In their place, Deschamps has called up Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace forward had previously been close to a move to Milan but failed a medical in January.
France Squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser Birckel, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram