​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

France enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, with Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading a star studded squad in Didier Deschamps’ final campaign as national team coach. After winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runner up in 2022, Les Bleus are again expected to challenge for the title in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Deschamps, who has guided France since 2012, will step down after the tournament, ending one of the most successful coaching eras in international football history.

France officially qualified for the World Cup after topping UEFA Group D and now arrives with arguably the deepest squad in the competition.

Mbappe and Dembele headline elite attack

Mbappe remains France’s biggest weapon heading into the tournament despite a difficult club season at Real Madrid. The 27 year old has consistently delivered on the international stage and already owns one of the greatest World Cup records of his generation.

He scored in France’s 2018 final win over Croatia before producing a historic hat trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, becoming only the second player to score three goals in a World Cup final.

Supporting Mbappe is Paris Saint Germain winger Dembele, who captured the 2025 Ballon d'Or after a dominant season in France and Europe. His creativity, pace and improved finishing have transformed him into one of the world’s most dangerous attackers.

France also boasts strong depth in forward areas with Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue all competing for starting roles.

Cherki in particular has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting playmakers following his impressive debut season at Manchester City.

Midfield and defence packed with experience

France’s midfield combines youth and experience, with Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga expected to play major roles alongside veterans Adrien Rabiot and N'Golo Kante.

Kante remains an important figure despite now playing in Saudi Arabia, while Warren Zaire Emery and Kephren Thuram provide additional energy and versatility.

Defensively, France may possess the strongest centre back pairing at the tournament. Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano are both coming off outstanding club seasons and are likely to anchor the back line.

Jules Kounde, Theo Hernandez and Lucas Hernandez add further quality and international experience, while Mike Maignan is set to start in goal after establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers.

Deschamps chasing final World Cup glory

Deschamps will coach at his fourth World Cup this summer and remains the longest serving national team manager at the tournament.

As a player, he captained France to its first World Cup triumph in 1998 before later leading the country to a second title as coach in 2018.

Despite his remarkable record, Deschamps has often faced criticism over conservative tactics given the attacking talent available to him. Another World Cup triumph would further cement his legacy as one of international football’s greatest managers.

France has reached the final in two of the past three World Cups and enters 2026 ranked number one in the FIFA rankings.

Key injury concern for France

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is the most notable absentee after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during the Champions League semifinals against Paris Saint Germain.

Ekitike had impressed during his first season in England, scoring 17 goals across all competitions, but the injury ended his hopes of making the World Cup squad.

Fortunately for France, depth in attacking positions remains one of the squad’s greatest strengths.

France World Cup group and schedule

France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway.

Les Bleus open their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New York before facing Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway in Foxborough.

With Mbappe, Dembele and one of the strongest squads in international football, France is widely expected to progress deep into the knockout rounds once again.