Many questions remain for Didier Deschamps and his staff as they put together the final list before the one for the 2026 World Cup (June 11-July 19). This list to face Brazil and Colombia will be revealed this Thursday.
On Thursday, at 2 p.m., Didier Deschamps will announce his list at the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF) for the upcoming tour next week in the United States. There, the Blues will face Brazil on the following Thursday in Boston and then Colombia on Sunday in Washington. This list is crucial as it comes 3 months before the start of the World Cup.
The one announced in March is often for the next competition, but this year the competition is fierce in certain positions, like with the goalkeepers. Also, once again, with a Kylian Mbappe at the center of all attention.
The captain of the Blues is indeed back. Tuesday night, he participated in Real Madrid’s success over Manchester City (1-2). The striker came on for Brahim Diaz after an hour and did not show any discomfort in his left knee, which has kept him off the field since December. His form will obviously be monitored during this gathering. But during this express tour supervised by Nike, with whom he is renegotiating a contract as reported by RMC, his presence seems almost certain.
Bradley Barcola will miss this final tournament before the World Cup. The PSG player is suffering from a severe right ankle sprain, as the club announced in a medical statement on Wednesday night. His absence is expected to be filled by the return of Ousmane Dembele to the Blues. In addition, Michael Olise, Deysem, Hugo Ekitike, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Thuram are likely to be present.
Maghnes Akliouche, very visible against PSG and in good form in recent weeks, will have a say. Can a strong performance from Randal Kolo Muani on Wednesday night in the Champions League help him secure a spot in the list? It’s too soon to rule him out completely. Even though he is starting from further behind, his place in this group, his performances for the French team, and his relationship with the coach all speak in his favor.
Defense Questions
The defense of the French team is where the competition is fierce. In central defense, the positions are well covered with William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, and Lucas Hernandez. But it is the full-backs that are now at the heart of the questions.
On the right, Jules Kounde will miss out due to a hamstring injury. To replace him, Didier Deschamps could call up Pierre Kalulu instead of Malo Gusto. Warren Zaire-Emery could step in as a last resort at this position, but in recent weeks, the staff prefers a true specialist defender.
On the left, the duo of Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez, while having a mixed start to the season, is likely to be retained. The option of Matthieu Udol has cooled off in recent days and seems less relevant.
Goalkeeper Duel
During this gathering, the goalkeeper position will also be closely watched. Especially since Lucas Chevalier’s situation at PSG remains complex. As the former number 2 for the Blues, his playing time has significantly decreased while Matvey Safonov has been impressive in his matches.
Former Lille goalkeeper knows that his chances of being called up have diminished, a trend that seems to be confirmed. Alongside Mike Maignan and Brice Samba, who have been solid in club matches, Robin Risser (Lens) and Jean Butez (Reims) are competing for the last spot. The first benefits from being a key player at the main competitor of PSG in Ligue 1. The latter can boast of having come through Lille and already having a relationship of trust with Mike Maignan.
In contrast, there are no doubts in the midfield where Deschamps knows he can rely on his leaders. Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, and Warren Zaire-Emery are expected to be part of the list on Thursday.
The Parisian player once again impressed on Tuesday night in London against Chelsea (0-3). It remains to be seen if there will be room for other new entries like Youssouf Fofana, Kephren Thuram, or Matteo Guendouzi.
