Pierre Sage Picks Mbappé and Cherki for 2026 France

Pierre Sage appeared on RMC's After Foot on Monday and unveiled a speculative France starting XI for the 2026 World Cup. He placed Kylian Mbappé on the left flank and earmarked Rayan Cherki as a midfielder behind Ousmane Dembélé. Sage, who coached Olympique Lyonnais from 2022 to 2023, joined the broadcast to discuss tactical options for Les Bleus. His comments came ahead of the French federation's upcoming squad planning for the 2026 tournament. In Sage's imagined formation, Mbappé occupies the left wing, providing pace and goal threat. Dembélé retains a central attacking role, while Cherki operates in the hole between midfield and attack. The rest of the eleven was not disclosed during the segment. The former Lyon boss emphasized the need for youthful dynamism alongside experienced stars. His selection underscores the depth of the French talent pool approaching the next World Cup. Analysts will compare Sage's vision with the official manager's eventual choices. The hypothetical lineup adds another perspective to the ongoing debate over France's 2026 squad composition.