Seven Premier League stars have been selected in France's squad for the upcoming World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer. Manager Didier Deschamps has unveiled a formidable 26-man roster, aiming to improve upon their runner-up finish four years ago, when they lost to Argentina on penalties in the final.
Strong Squad Announced
The French boss has assembled an exceptionally strong squad, boasting a wealth of attacking talent. Among the Premier League representatives are Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, and Rayan Cherki. However, the standout news from an English top-flight perspective is the inclusion of Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix.
Lacroix, 26, earned his first international call-up in March and has since made two appearances. Mateta made his senior debut for France in October. His hopes of securing a World Cup spot appeared uncertain after a proposed winter move to AC Milan collapsed due to a failed medical, but the striker has regained fitness and form in recent weeks, earning selection ahead of Randal Kolo Muani in Deschamps' final list.
Attacking Firepower
France's attacking options are formidable, featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, rising star Desire Doue, former Palace forward Michael Olise, Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche. Tottenham striker Marcus Thuram, a late addition to the squad four years ago, also returns after scoring against Morocco in the semi-final and nearly becoming a hero in the final before Emiliano Martinez denied him in extra time.
Notable absentees include Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Chevalier lost his starting spot at PSG to Matvey Safonov and has not played since late January. Deschamps explained, 'The main criteria is sporting performance. I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn't played for several months. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn't get any.' On Camavinga, he added, 'He's coming off a tough season, during which he didn't play as much and dealt with injuries. He's still young. I have decisions to make and a list to finalise. But I can imagine how disappointed he must be tonight.'
First Call-Up for Risser
Lens winger Florian Thauvin may also feel aggrieved after being nominated for Ligue 1's Player of the Season, but there was a first call-up for goalkeeper Robin Risser following his breakout campaign. Risser, also of Lens, has been a revelation in the French league, helping his side boast the second-best defence in Ligue 1. He has been selected as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. 'I'm full of pride, it's something incredible,' Risser told broadcaster TF1. 'I can't find the words. It's just extraordinary. It was one of my dreams.'
Full Squad List
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.
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.
France, who have also recalled N'Golo Kante, are seeking a third World Cup triumph and are among the tournament favorites. The competition runs from June 11 to July 19. They have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
Deschamps' Final Tournament
This will be Deschamps' last tournament in charge, having announced his departure after the World Cup, ending a successful reign that began in 2012. 'It's a special feeling. I did many things today for the last time,' he said. 'The most important thing is today and tomorrow. We are focused on the World Cup.' Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, though he has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
