Didier Deschamps has unveiled France's star-studded World Cup squad, with a surprise call-up for young goalkeeper Robin Risser after his breakout season with Lens. The 26-man roster is loaded with attacking firepower, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign as France aims for a third World Cup title.
Risser, 22, has been one of the revelations of Ligue 1 this season, earning the league's best goalkeeper award earlier this week. His stellar performances helped Lens boast the second-best defense in France, and now he'll serve as the No. 3 option behind established stars Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. It's a remarkable rise for a player who was relatively unknown just a year ago.
The World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, sees France enter as one of the tournament favorites. Les Bleus have been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway—a group that offers both challenges and opportunities for the defending champions.
Deschamps is blessed with an embarrassment of riches in attack. The squad features Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, rising star Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche. That's a frightening array of talent that can unlock any defense in the world.
One notable decision sees Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta preferred to Randal Kolo Muani. It's a tough call, especially considering Kolo Muani was a late addition to France's 2022 World Cup squad, scoring in the semifinal against Morocco and coming agonizingly close to being a national hero in the final before France fell to Argentina on penalties.
This tournament carries extra weight as it will be Deschamps' final act. He announced his departure after the World Cup, ending a remarkable reign that began in 2012. Under his leadership, France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the 2022 final—a legacy few can match. Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, though he hasn't coached since leaving Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League and two La Liga titles.
Full France World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano