France coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed their 2026 World Cup squad, with Bayern Munich duo Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise both included.
Deschamps’ side head into the World Cup among the favourites, with the possibility of making history by reaching a third consecutive final, a feat previously achieved only by Germany between 1974 and 1982 and Brazil from 1994 to 2002.
For Bayern, the selection continues a strong international tradition. Club players have played key roles in past France successes, including the 1998 triumph on home soil and the 2018 World Cup win in Russia.
For Olise, this tournament marks his first senior World Cup. The 24-year-old arrives after an impressive season in Germany and is expected to play a major attacking role. He also won silver at the Paris Olympics, and his rise has made him one of the players to watch in the squad.
Upamecano, meanwhile, brings major tournament experience. He played five matches at the Qatar World Cup, including the full 120 minutes in the final against Argentina. He now faces strong competition for a starting place in defence from William Saliba and his former RB Leipzig teammate Ibrahima Konate.
France’s squad also includes several players with Bundesliga experience, underlining the league’s influence on the national setup. In defence, Lucas Hernandez and Maxence Lacroix have been selected, while in attack Jean-Philippe Mateta earns a surprise call-up after strong recent form.
Deschamps has also turned to a mix of experience and youth in midfield and attack. N’Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adrien Rabiot all provide balance in the middle of the pitch, while attacking threats include Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
France will begin their campaign against Senegal before facing Iraq and Norway in the group stage, with expectations high once again for a deep tournament run from one of international football’s strongest squads.
France’s 26-man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
