France manager Didier Deschamps has named a star-studded 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading an exciting attacking line-up.
Mbappe, who has scored 56 goals for France, sits second on the country’s all-time scoring list, just behind Olivier Giroud, who has 57.
Despite concerns over a recent thigh injury, the Real Madrid forward is expected to captain Les Bleus during the tournament.
Dembele enters the World Cup in outstanding form after scoring 35 goals and helping Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League last season.
The winger also became only the second French player this century to win the Ballon d’Or. However, he is still searching for his first World Cup goal after appearing in the previous two tournaments.
Michael Olise, currently with Bayern Munich, and PSG youngster Desire Doue provide further attacking strength.
Rayan Cherki and William Saliba are among seven Premier League-based players named in the squad.
Mbappe, Dembele, Lucas Hernandez and N’Golo Kante are the only remaining members of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team.
Deschamps has also made several notable omissions ahead of what will be his final major tournament in charge.
Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani have both been left out, while goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier also misses selection. Uncapped Robin Risser joins Brice Samba as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike is absent after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in April.
“It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together,” Deschamps told French television channel TF1.
“I can imagine how disappointed [Camavinga] must be. He’s coming off a tough season where he didn’t play as much and suffered injuries. [But] I’ve got decisions to make and a squad to put together.”
France will open their World Cup campaign against Senegal in New York City on June 16. They will then face Iraq on June 22 and Norway on June 26 in Group I.
France World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan |
| Robin Risser | Lens |
| Brice Samba | Rennes |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Lucas Digne | Aston Villa |
| Malo Gusto | Chelsea |
| Lucas Hernandez | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Theo Hernandez | Al Hilal |
| Ibrahima Konate | Liverpool |
| Maxence Lacroix | Crystal Palace |
| Jules Kounde | Barcelona |
| William Saliba | Arsenal |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| N’Golo Kante | Fenerbahce |
| Manu Kone | Roma |
| Adrien Rabiot | AC Milan |
| Aurelien Tchouameni | Real Madrid |
| Warren Zaire-Emery | Paris Saint-Germain |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco |
| Bradley Barcola | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Rayan Cherki | Manchester City |
| Ousmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Desire Doue | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Michael Olise | Bayern Munich |
| Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Crystal Palace |
| Marcus Thuram | Inter Milan |
