France head coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup, and it's a lineup that's sure to get fans buzzing. Leading the charge are two of the sport's brightest stars: Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.
Mbappé, now captaining Les Bleus, is on the verge of history. With 56 goals for France, he needs just two more to surpass Olivier Giroud (57) as the nation's all-time leading men's scorer. Despite a recent thigh injury, the Real Madrid forward is expected to be fit and ready to lead the attack.
Dembélé, meanwhile, is coming off a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he netted 35 goals and lifted the Champions League trophy. That performance earned him the Ballon d'Or, making him just the second French player this century to claim the honor. Surprisingly, he has yet to score at a World Cup despite featuring in the last two tournaments—a drought he'll be eager to end.
Joining them in a formidable attacking quartet are Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and Dembélé's PSG teammate Désiré Doué. The squad also boasts Premier League talent, including Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki and Arsenal defender William Saliba, among seven English-based players.
Veterans Lucas Hernández and N'Golo Kanté, both survivors from France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad, provide experience alongside Mbappé and Dembélé. Deschamps, who has led France to back-to-back World Cup finals, is making this his final major tournament as head coach, and he's not afraid to make bold choices.
Notable omissions include Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Tottenham's Randal Kolo Muani, both of whom featured in 2022. PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier also misses out, with uncapped Lens shot-stopper Robin Risser serving as backup to Mike Maignan. Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike, sidelined by a season-ending Achilles injury in April, is an expected absence.
"It's a squad—not necessarily the 26 best players," Deschamps explained to French TV channel TF1. "It's about balance and how the team comes together. I can imagine how disappointed Camavinga must be. He's had a tough season with limited playing time and injuries, but I've got decisions to make."
France kicks off their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16, followed by Group I matches against Iraq (June 22) and Norway (June 26). With this blend of youth, experience, and firepower, Les Bleus look ready to make another deep run.