France head coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled a powerful 26-man squad for the 2027 World Cup, headlined by Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.
The announcement confirms a new chapter for Les Bleus as they aim to reclaim global glory with one of the most attack-heavy squads in international football.
Mbappé, who has scored 56 goals for France—second only to Olivier Giroud’s 57—is expected to captain the side despite recent concerns over a thigh injury.
Alongside him, Dembélé arrives in top form after a sensational season in which he scored 35 goals and helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League, earning him the Ballon d’Or.
Despite his club success, Dembélé is still searching for his first World Cup goal after two previous tournament appearances.
The attacking lineup is further strengthened by Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, PSG forward Désiré Doué, Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki, and Arsenal defender William Saliba—part of seven Premier League-based players in the squad.
Deschamps also included veterans Lucas Hernandez and N’Golo Kanté, who join Mbappé and Dembélé as the only survivors from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team.
However, the selection also brought surprises, with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani both left out of the squad after featuring in the 2022 World Cup.
PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier also missed out, while uncapped Lens shot-stopper Robin Risser was included as a backup option.
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike was another notable absentee after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury earlier in the year.
Explaining his decisions, Deschamps said squad selection was about balance rather than individual talent alone.
“This is a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together,” he told TF1.
He acknowledged Camavinga’s disappointment, citing injuries and limited playing time as key factors in his omission.
France will begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey, before facing Iraq on June 22 and Norway on June 26 in Group I.
France 2027 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram
With a mix of experienced winners and emerging talents, France head into the tournament among the favourites, but Deschamps’ final squad choices underline the fierce competition for places at the top level.
