Didier Deschamps, the architect of France’s recent international football triumphs, unveiled his squad selection for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a campaign brimming with expectation as Les Bleus embark on their quest to replicate their 2018 glory and rectify the heartbreak of the 2022 final defeat. While brimming with established stars and youthful prospects, the squad notably omits Liverpool’s in-form striker, Hugo Ekitike, despite his recent impressive goal-scoring exploits. This omission highlights the fierce competition for attacking places within the French national setup, underscoring the depth of talent available to Deschamps. Conversely, the squad announcement provided a platform for Monaco’s highly-rated winger, Maghnes Akliouche, to earn his maiden senior call-up, a testament to his burgeoning reputation and consistent performances at club level.
Ekitike’s exclusion, despite his seamless transition to Liverpool with three goals in as many competitive appearances following his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, emphasizes the selection dilemma faced by Deschamps. The 23-year-old striker, prolific at the Under-21 level with five goals in five appearances last season, finds himself vying for a place in a squad replete with established attacking talent, forcing him to patiently await his opportunity on the senior international stage. His omission presents a challenge to maintain his current club form and further stake his claim for future selection, a narrative likely to unfold throughout the qualifying campaign.
France’s World Cup qualifying journey commences with a challenging away fixture against Ukraine in Poland on September 5th, followed by a home encounter against Iceland in Paris on September 9th. These initial fixtures will provide a crucial early gauge of France’s form and cohesiveness as they navigate Group D, which also includes Azerbaijan. The qualifying campaign, extending through October and November, offers a pathway to the finals in North America for the group winners, a target firmly within France’s sights. The upcoming matches offer a platform for both established stars and emerging talents to solidify their roles within the squad and contribute to the collective ambition of securing qualification.
Maghnes Akliouche, the 23-year-old Monaco winger, has long been on the periphery of the French senior squad, his impressive displays for his club igniting interest from several prominent European clubs. His inclusion signifies a reward for his consistent performance and potential, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career. Akliouche’s experience at the Paris Olympics, where he contributed to Thierry Henry’s silver medal-winning team, further underlines his pedigree and readiness for the demands of international football. His call-up provides an opportunity to showcase his talents on a larger stage and potentially cement a place within the national team setup.
Rayan Cherki, another promising young talent, returns to the squad following his senior debut in June during the UEFA Nations League finals, shortly before his transfer from Lyon to Manchester City. His inclusion signifies Deschamps’ faith in his potential and provides a platform to further integrate him into the senior team environment and gain valuable experience. The inclusion of both Akliouche and Cherki reflects the emphasis on nurturing young talent and integrating them into the national team framework, ensuring a smooth transition for the future of French football.
The squad also features the experienced Marseille midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, despite his recent disciplinary issues at club level. His involvement in a dressing-room altercation resulting in his exclusion from the Marseille squad and subsequent listing for sale underscores the complexities of squad selection. Deschamps’ decision to retain Rabiot highlights his value to the national team and the willingness to separate club matters from international duties. The blend of youth and experience within the squad provides a foundation for success in the upcoming qualifying campaign.
The full France squad announced reflects the depth of talent available to Didier Deschamps, encompassing experienced campaigners and emerging stars across all positions. In goal, the trio of Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), and Brice Samba (Rennes) provides a blend of reliability and potential. The defensive line boasts a wealth of talent, including Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), ensuring a formidable barrier against opposition attacks.
The midfield options include Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), and Khephren Thuram (Juventus), offering a mix of creativity, defensive solidity, and experience. The attacking ranks are spearheaded by the likes of Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), and Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), presenting a potent attacking force capable of unlocking any defense. This carefully constructed squad embodies the ambition of French football, poised to embark on the qualifying campaign with the aim of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup finals.
