France head coach Didier Deschamps has selected his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in June across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The defending runners-up will enter Group I alongside Iraq, Norway, and Senegal, carrying a squad that blends World Cup-winning experience with emerging talent.
The official announcement arrived on 14 May 2026, later than in previous tournaments due to the scheduling of domestic cup finals. Reports from multiple outlets, including FourFourTwo and Footy Headlines, indicate the squad is complete with assigned shirt numbers, though the official publication on FIFA’s website remains the definitive source for confirmation.
Who is in the France World Cup 2026 squad?
Didier Deschamps
26 players (final)
Iraq, Norway, Senegal (Group I)
2 titles (1998, 2018), runners-up (2022)
- France enter as defending runners-up after losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties.
- Deschamps named his final 26-man squad on 14 May 2026, delayed from previous years due to domestic cup finals.
- Key veterans like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann expected to lead; injury doubts surround Paul Pogba.
- The squad includes a mix of experienced World Cup winners and younger talents from the 2024 Olympics.
Which players made the final 26-man squad?
The reported squad, as collated by FourFourTwo and Footy Headlines, includes a roster covering several top European clubs. Several 2018 World Cup winners, including Ousmane Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kanté, and Kylian Mbappé, are confirmed in the list, according to FIFA’s own squad statistics article.
| Number | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brice Samba | Rennes |
| 2 | Malo Gusto | Chelsea |
| 3 | Lucas Digne | Aston Villa |
| 4 | Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich |
| 5 | Jules Koundé | Barcelona |
| 6 | Manu Koné | AS Roma |
| 7 | Ousmane Dembélé | PSG |
| 8 | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Real Madrid |
| 9 | Marcus Thuram | Inter Milan |
| 10 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid |
| 11 | Michael Olise | Bayern Munich |
| 12 | Bradley Barcola | PSG |
| 13 | N’Golo Kanté | Fenerbahçe |
| 14 | Adrien Rabiot | AC Milan |
| 15 | Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool |
| 16 | Mike Maignan | AC Milan |
| 17 | William Saliba | Arsenal |
| 18 | Warren Zaïre-Emery | PSG |
| 19 | Theo Hernandez | Al Hilal |
| 20 | Désiré Doué | PSG |
| 21 | Lucas Hernandez | PSG |
| 22 | Jean-Philippe Mateta | Crystal Palace |
| 23 | Robin Risser | Lens |
| 24 | Rayan Cherki | Manchester City |
| 25 | Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco |
| 26 | Maxence Lacroix | Crystal Palace |
It remains important to note that while this list is widely reported, the squad is subject to change before the tournament due to injury or fitness issues, as per FIFA rules allowing replacements up to 24 hours before the first match.
Are there any surprise inclusions or omissions?
One notable omission from the reported squad is midfielder Paul Pogba. None of the referenced sources list him among the 26 players selected for the 2026 campaign. Pogba has been linked with injury concerns and suspension issues in recent seasons. The absence of an official FFF confirmation leaves some uncertainty, but the available data consistently omits his name from the final list.
The 2026 squad includes six players who were part of the 2022 runners-up group: Mbappé, Dembélé, Tchouaméni, Koundé, Upamecano, and Rabiot. Newer faces like Michael Olise, Maghnes Akliouche, and Maxence Lacroix did not feature in Qatar.
What are the France World Cup 2026 squad numbers?
Shirt numbers for the squad were reported alongside the player list, with Kylian Mbappé assigned the No. 10 shirt, continuing his role as the team’s primary attacking figure. Ousmane Dembélé takes the No. 7 jersey, while veteran N’Golo Kanté wears No. 13.
Who wears the No. 10 shirt for France in 2026?
Kylian Mbappé is confirmed as the No. 10, a number he has worn for France since the 2022 World Cup. He is also widely expected to captain the side, though official confirmation of the armband may follow closer to the tournament.
Did any players change numbers from previous tournaments?
Several players have shifted numbers compared to the 2022 squad. Ousmane Dembélé moved from No. 11 to No. 7, a shirt previously worn by Antoine Griezmann, who is notably absent from the 2026 reports. Warren Zaïre-Emery takes No. 18, a number unused in Qatar, while Marcus Thuram shifts from No. 13 in 2022 to No. 9 in 2026.
Traditional goalkeeper numbers remain stable: Brice Samba (No. 1), Mike Maignan (No. 16), and young Robin Risser (No. 23) form the goalkeeping unit. Full-back Lucas Digne takes No. 3, a number he last wore for France in Euro 2020.
Who was in the France World Cup squad in 2010?
France’s 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa ended in a group-stage exit and internal turmoil. The squad included goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defenders Patrice Evra and Laurent Blanc (as manager), and forwards Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry. The team failed to advance past the group stage, finishing bottom of Group A behind Uruguay, Mexico, and South Africa.
Which players from the 2010 squad are still active in 2026?
None of the 2010 squad members appear in the 2026 roster. Most players from that era have retired from international football. The only figure with direct continuity is manager Didier Deschamps, who took over the national team in 2012 and remains in charge for the 2026 tournament.
How did the 2010 squad compare to the 2026 squad?
The 2010 squad featured 23 players, while the 2026 squad expands to 26 under updated FIFA regulations. The 2010 side was built around aging stars from the 2006 generation, while the 2026 squad mixes youth (Akliouche, Doué) with proven winners from 2018. Both squads share a heavy representation from French Ligue 1, though the 2026 version draws more heavily from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
Is Paul Pogba in the France World Cup 2026 squad?
Based on the reports from Footy Headlines, FourFourTwo, and FIFA, Paul Pogba is not listed in the France 2026 World Cup squad. The midfielder, a key figure in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, has not been included in the 26-man roster reported by the cited sources.
What is Paul Pogba’s current injury or ban status?
The provided research does not specify Pogba’s precise injury or ban status. Reports of doping-related issues and recurring knee problems have circulated, but the sources available for this article do not offer a definitive timeline on when those issues began or how they affected his selection chances. The absence of his name from the reported squad suggests he was not fit or available for selection at the time of Deschamps’ decision.
When will the official squad announcement confirm his inclusion?
The announcement on 14 May 2026 did not include Pogba. Since FIFA rules allow changes only for injury replacements up to 24 hours before the first match, his path back into the squad would require a formal injury replacement scenario. At present, no source indicates that process is underway for him.
No official source from the French Football Federation has publicly ruled Pogba out, but the consistency of the reported squad across three independent outlets strongly suggests he is not part of the 2026 plan. Readers should await FFF confirmation for absolute clarity.
How did the France 2026 squad announcement timeline unfold?
- May 2026 – Preliminary squad list (up to 35 players) is released to clubs and governing bodies.
- 14 May 2026 – Final 26-man squad publicly announced by Didier Deschamps.
- Late May / early June 2026 – Friendly matches scheduled to prepare the squad.
- June 2026 – FIFA World Cup group stage begins; France’s opener is against Iraq in Group I.
- Up to 24 hours before first match – Deadline for injury replacements to be submitted.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the France squad?
Established information
- France 2026 squad announced on 14 May 2026
- 26-man roster including Mbappé, Dembélé, Kanté
- Group I opponents: Iraq, Norway, Senegal
- Squad numbers reported across multiple outlets
Information that remains unclear
- Paul Pogba’s exact injury or ban status
- Official FFF confirmation of captain’s armband
- Final squad numbers not yet on FIFA’s official page
- Potential late injury replacements
What background context shapes this squad selection?
Deschamps’ 2026 squad carries forward a reputation built on defensive solidity and transition speed. The 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina remains a reference point, and the 2026 selection shows an attempt to refresh the group without discarding core experience. Several players from the 2018 title-winning run continue, including Dembélé, Kanté, Lucas Hernandez, and Mbappé, while talents like Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki represent a new generation. France’s only previous World Cup on North American soil was 1994, where they failed to qualify. The current team faces a group that includes familiar African opposition in Senegal and a Norway side featuring elite attacking talent.
What do the sources say about the squad?
“Kylian Mbappé will wear No. 10 for France at the 2026 World Cup, with Ousmane Dembélé taking the No. 7 shirt.”
– Footy Headlines, based on reported squad numbers
“Several 2018 World Cup winners, including Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, Kanté, and Mbappé, remain in the squad for 2026.”
– FIFA.com squad statistics article
What happens next for France’s World Cup campaign?
France will play warm-up friendlies in late May and early June before their Group I opener against Iraq, with the exact date still to be confirmed. The official squad remains subject to change only for injury replacements up to 24 hours before the first match. Fans looking for updates on player fitness or potential adjustments can follow the French Football Federation for official press releases. For broader tournament context, readers may also find the Man City Champions League – Fixtures, History & Ticket Guide relevant for understanding the club landscape feeding into national teams. Additionally, the England Women’s National Football Team vs Spain Women’s National Football Team – All You Need to Know offers insight into another major international football rivalry.
Frequently asked questions about the France World Cup squad
How many players are in the France World Cup 2026 squad?
26 players as per FIFA rules for the 2026 tournament.
When was the France World Cup 2026 squad announced?
14 May 2026 by Didier Deschamps.
Who is the captain of France for the 2026 World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé is widely expected to be captain, though official confirmation may come later.
Where can I find the official France World Cup 2026 squad list?
Official list on FIFA.com and the FFF website.
What group is France in for the 2026 World Cup?
Group I with Iraq, Norway, and Senegal.
Is Paul Pogba in the France 2026 squad?
No, Pogba is not listed in the reported 26-man squad.
Which players from 2018 are still in the 2026 squad?
Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, Kanté, and Mbappé are among those remaining.
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Isabelle Knight is TV & Streaming Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering television, streaming platforms, broadcast schedules and platform news.