Camavinga And Kolo Muani Omitted As France Names World Cup Squad 2026newsline24

Didier Deschamps has confirmed a 26-player France World Cup squad for his final tournament, leaving Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani out of a group packed with attacking options as captain Kylian Mbappe prepares to lead Les Bleus on another global campaign.

Deschamps, who has been in charge of France for 14 years, reflected on the personal meaning of this farewell World Cup, while also stressing that his focus remains on performance and preparation rather than sentiment as the tournament approaches.

Camavinga is the most notable absentee after a difficult season at Real Madrid, where the midfielder started only 23 matches in all competitions during 2025-26, while Kolo Muani also misses out following inconsistent form at Tottenham, who are involved in a Premier League relegation battle.

Kolo Muani played major roles in France’s previous two big tournaments, yet this European summer will pass without another contribution, as Deschamps prioritises squad structure over reputation when deciding which players fit the overall plan for the France World Cup squad.

“I’m well aware that many of these are my last moments,” Deschamps said in a press conference after announcing his squad. “It’s a unique feeling. I tend to hide my emotions, especially in press conferences where every word can be misinterpreted. But I’m handling it well. What’s been done is behind us and done rather well. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here after 14 years.”

Deschamps has turned to several emerging players, with 13 members of the group preparing for a first World Cup, including goalkeeper Robin Risser and defender Maxence Lacroix, who both earn surprise call-ups after strong club seasons and are expected to add depth and competition.

“Now all my energy is focused on this World Cup. Important decisions regarding the squad list, and then others with the Federation to ensure we’re in the best possible conditions. It’s a group. Not necessarily the 26 best. It’s about balance, combinations. We have elements that you may not have. Some players won’t play; others will play little. The objective is not to lose anyone. You need human skills to live through these moments.”

France again travel with significant attacking strength even without injured forward Hugo Ekitike, with Mbappe supported by Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram, all of whom come into the France World Cup squad after impressive club campaigns.

Deschamps’ choices come after a hugely successful spell in charge of Les Bleus, having guided France to the World Cup title in 2018 and to runners-up finishes at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016, and the coach will leave the role once this tournament ends.

France will play warm-up friendlies against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland before starting the World Cup group phase against Senegal on 16 June, using the two preparation matches to adjust combinations and test newcomers within the France World Cup squad structure.

The French Football Federation highlighted the collective message around this campaign when presenting the list.

Full list for France World Cup squad

The full France World Cup squad includes three goalkeepers, ten defenders, eight midfielders and five forwards, blending experienced names from Europe’s biggest clubs with younger talent who will experience the tournament stage for the first time.

This France World Cup squad brings together seasoned winners and first-time participants, with Deschamps relying on experience from earlier finals while also trusting newer players to handle pressure as France prepare for another major campaign on the global stage.