Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele spearhead France’s 2026 World Cup squad

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have been named as the twin attacking pillars of France’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with national coach Didier Deschamps unveiling a group built around continuity and elite firepower for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 world title and will step down after this tournament, largely stuck to established names as he confirmed a squad that carries both experience and emerging talent.

At the centre of it all is Kylian Mbappé, expected to lead Les Bleus as captain despite concerns over a thigh injury that disrupted his closing weeks at Real Madrid, forcing him to miss crucial La Liga fixtures.

He is joined in attack by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, whose form for Paris Saint-Germain has elevated him into one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards, alongside Paris Saint-Germain teenager Désiré Doué and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, adding pace and creativity across the frontline.

Rayan Cherki will experience his first World Cup after an impressive breakthrough season at Manchester City, marking him as one of the new creative outlets in Deschamps’ setup. At the back, Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to anchor the defence, offering calmness and physical strength.

Only four players remain from France’s 2018 World Cup triumph: Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kanté, Mbappé and Dembélé, underlining the transition phase within the squad as Deschamps prepares to bow out after more than a decade in charge.

Deschamps’ selection reflects a careful balance between established winners and a new generation expected to carry France into the post-2026 era, with the coach leaning on tactical familiarity and tournament experience as Les Bleus prepare for another tilt at global glory across North America.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace/ENG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)