France recently announced the 26-man final squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which features big names and stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, to name a few. Amongst this star-studded lineup, Robin Risser has got a surprise call-up from head coach Didier Deschamps. The 21-year-old has risen from the mud of the French third division in two seasons to earn an unexpected position in France’s 2026 World Cup roster.
His selection represents a massive plot twist, demonstrating how scorching club form can break a traditional international hierarchy. Risser was watching live with the rest of the nation as Deschamps announced the squad during the evening news on French television TF1.
After hearing his name read aloud, the young goalkeeper was shocked and in disbelief to be considered in a team with the World’s elite was an overwhelming milestone. He shared immediately after the broadcast, “I am full of pride, its something incredible.” He also said, “I can’t find the words. It’s just extraordinary. It was one of my dreams.”
Selection Drama For Robin Risser
For months, the media had confidently penciled in Lucas Chevalier as France’s third-choice goalkeeper. But football moves quickly. Chevalier lost his starting position at Paris Saint-Germain and has been sidelined with injury since January, presenting a huge opportunity. Risser didn’t simply stroll through the open door; he bashed it down.
With the 2026 World Cup being his final tournament, France’s national Football team manager Deschamps explained during a live television press conference right after announcing the roster on French network TF1: “I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn’t played for several months anymore. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn’t get any.”
The Three-Year Lower League Grind
Risser’s rise to the top level is a masterclass in modern player development. Instead of sitting on a fashionable bench, he took the difficult way of lower-league loans to boost his confidence and sharpen his reflexes. According to RC Lens, he entered Strasbourg’s academy at the age of 13, signed his first professional contract at 16, and spent time learning on the reserve side before going out on loan to gain first-team experience.
- 2023-24 (Dijon FCO): He played 30 games in the tough French third tier, maintaining 8 clean sheets.
- 2024-25 (Red Star FC): He made appearances in 19 games, demonstrating his ability to manage the step up to Ligue 2.
- 2025-26 (RC Lens): A €3 million move to the top flight transformed everything.
This season, Risser started all 33 Ligue 1 games for Lens, keeping 11 clean sheets. He anchored as one of France’s strongest defenses, led Lens to a historic second-place finish, and was officially named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper. His hard work and consistency helped him gain Deschamps’ attention.
Entering the ‘Lion’s Den’
What makes Risser’s call-up intriguing is not only his age, but also the timing of his debut. Goalkeepers typically take longer to mature than outfield players, and France already has established names like Mike Maignan and Brice Samba on the roster.
However, Risser has forced his way into the conversation by demonstrating his ability to manage pressure, volume, and responsibility at the Ligue 1 level. In an attacking-heavy squad, his inclusion serves as a reminder that France’s World Cup story is about more than just Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
It’s also about a new generation being trusted at the appropriate time, and one goalie turning a season of steady growth into his greatest call-up yet.
Story first published: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12:12 [IST]
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