Mbappe and Dembele will lead a star-studded France squad in the World Cup | World Cup 2026 news

Kylian Mbappe will lead France at the World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps announces his 26-man squad.

France coach Didier Deschamps has assembled a World Cup squad packed with attacking talent led by Kylian Mbappe, while he rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser after winning his season with a call-up to the tournament.

Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and will leave after the tournament, added a surprise to his 26-man squad announcement on Thursday.

Risser, who plays for Lens, has been one of the revelations of the French league and won the best goal award earlier this week. He played a major role in making Lens the second-best defense in Ligue 1 and was selected by Deschamps in the 3rd round behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.

Looking to win a third World Cup, the French are among the favorites to play Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 – July 19.

France is in Group I against Senegal, Iraq and Norway during the group stage.

Mbappe could be in charge of the team, despite picking up a thigh injury last month, which saw him miss key games in Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign.

The 27-year-old will be on the plane to North America as part of a squad that includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche.

Cherki will play for the international reserve following a first season at Manchester City for the 22-year-old.

Deschamps also called up Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was selected ahead of Randal Kolo Muani. The Tottenham striker was a late addition to France’s World Cup squad four years ago. Kolo Muani scored for Morocco in the semi-finals and came close to becoming world champions in the final, before France beat Argentina on penalties.

Deschamps’ reign began in 2012 and France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final in 2022.

Former Frenchman Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, despite not having coached since finishing in charge of Real Madrid, leading the Spanish giants to three Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.

France squad for World Cup 2026:

Scorers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.

Protectors: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.

Middle players: N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.

Players: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.