France 2026 World Cup squad preview with Mbappé and Dembélé
France arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ranked third in the world with arguably the deepest squad at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé leads Les Bleus as captain at his third finals, with 12 World Cup goals already to his name. Didier Deschamps has guided France to back-to-back World Cup finals across 14 years in charge.
France sit in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. The squad includes 26 players across all positions: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba (GK); Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano (DEF); N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery (MID); Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram (FWD).
All of Europe’s top five leagues are represented in Deschamps’ selection. Eight players come from Ligue 1, five from Paris Saint-Germain, and seven from the Premier League. Saliba and Konaté form an elite defensive partnership, while Maignan ranks among Europe’s finest goalkeepers. Dembélé scored 35 goals as PSG won the European Cup in 2024-25 and claimed the Ballon d’Or that October.
Deschamps’ conservative approach remains a point of criticism. The national team lacks a clear, identifiable style despite abundant attacking talent. Mbappé’s ongoing thigh injury adds further anxiety ahead of the tournament. The midfield, though experienced, struggles to provide creativity under high pressing.
The best playing XI is projected as: Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Zaïre-Emery, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappé, Dembélé.
France face Senegal, Norway, and Iraq in Group I. Senegal presents the sternest early test, while Norway and Iraq offer easier fixtures. Les Bleus are expected to progress comfortably to the knockout rounds.
From the round of sixteen onwards, France’s depth becomes their greatest advantage. Cherki and Doué provide impact off the bench, options unavailable to most rivals. With Mbappé and Dembélé at peak form, Les Bleus are among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.