Didier Deschamps kicks off the symbolic start of the Bleus’ campaign for the 2026 World Cup by unveiling his list of players for the tournament this Thursday, with few uncertainties to resolve. As is tradition before each final phase, the coach will sit on the set of TF1’s 8 p.m. news, a partner of the French team, to reveal the names of the lucky ones tasked with embarking on a third World Cup conquest.
Context: Didier Deschamps is the coach of the French national football team.
Fact Check: The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Fact Check: The 2022 World Cup in Qatar allowed for a squad of 23 to 26 players.
The moment will be special for the 57-year-old coach, who will step down from his position at the end of this tournament, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
He has, however, paved the way enough to avoid major headaches when it comes to finalizing his group. The contours of this list, which could range from 23 to 26 players like in Qatar in 2022, are expected to closely follow those of the successful American tour in March, victorious against Brazil and Colombia. Nevertheless, the list should also include William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Bradley Barcola, and Manu Koné, who were absent due to injuries during the last training camp.
“In the end, having three options per position is the goal. I am not inclined to take fewer players, but even with 26 players, it will leave legitimately selectable players out,” the coach explained beforehand.
Fact Check: Didier Deschamps made headlines by recalling Karim Benzema for Euro 2021 and N’Golo Kanté for Euro 2024.
In defense, many are likely to make the trip (Saliba, Upamecano, Konaté, Koundé, Lucas and Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne, and possibly Gusto), just as in midfield where the French coach can rely on his leaders Kanté, Koné, Rabiot, or Tchouameni.
Fact Check: Kylian Mbappé is the captain of the French national team.
Furthermore, in attack, Deschamps has an exceptional reservoir, with superstar and captain Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé, Bayern’s prodigy Olise, the generous Thuram, and a squad of young talents (Barcola, Dou, Cherki, Akliouche). Ekitike’s unavailability may give hope to Kolo Muani, Thauvin, Mateta, or Ligue 1’s top scorer, Lepaul. The answers will come this Thursday evening.
