Didier Deschamps has unveiled his 26-man France squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga among the most notable omissions.
The decision to leave out Camavinga has raised eyebrows, given his role in France’s run to the 2022 final. However, Deschamps pointed to a difficult season, impacted by injuries and fierce competition in midfield, as key reasons behind the exclusion.
While acknowledging the player’s talent, the France boss made it clear that current form and fitness ultimately shaped his final selection.
Player profile
Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga is not the only big name to miss out, with forward Randal Kolo Muani also absent from the squad. In contrast, Deschamps has opted to refresh the group by introducing several new faces, with a significant number of players set to experience their first World Cup.
Among the surprise inclusions are Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, both rewarded for strong performances at club level. The squad also features emerging talents such as Michael Olise and Warren Zaïre-Emery, highlighting a shift towards a new generation within the national team.
Despite the changes, Kylian Mbappé remains the central figure. The forward will lead the team as captain and is expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility. Deschamps expressed confidence that Mbappé can handle the pressure of the global stage, emphasizing the importance of having him at his best during the tournament.
With a blend of experience and youth, France head into the World Cup aiming to build on their recent success, while adapting to a new cycle under Deschamps’ leadership.
Comments