The coach Didier Deschamps unveiled the list of 26 French players for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday evening. Here are the 11 major absentees from France.
GOALKEEPER: Chevalier
Aside from the international retirement of Hugo Lloris, the notable absentee is recently Lucas Chevalier. Some had thought the former Lille player could be number 1 in America just a few months ago. However, in the meantime, the Northerner switched from Lille to Paris, where he was overtaken by Matvei Safonov. Deschamps extended a hand to him in March, but not for the World Cup. It’s worth noting that Chevalier hasn’t played since January 23. Alphonse Areola (West Ham) is left out due to little playing time, while Jean Butez (Cercle Brugge) due to inexperience.
DEFENDERS: Kalulu, Pavard, Fofana, Udol
In defense, Deschamps probably had little hesitation in making his selection. However, some big names were left out, starting with Turin’s Pierre Kalulu (3 caps) and Wesley Fofana (1 cap), who has been frequently injured at Chelsea. The thirty-year-old Matthieu Udol excelled with Lens but to no avail. World champion in 2018, Benjamin Pavard had a tough season with Marseille. Others who missed out include Loic Bade (Sevilla), Clement Lenglet (Atletico Madrid), Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig), and World Cup runner-up Axel Disasi (West Ham).
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS: Tolisso, Camavinga
Despite scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists, Corentin Tolisso was not called up, as he has been plagued by injuries and has not been selected since Euro 2021. Alongside him is Eduardo Camavinga, who has struggled with a poor season and lack of progress. Mattéo Guendouzi (Fenerbahçe), Khephren Thuram (Juventus), and Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan) could have also made the cut. Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa) was ruled out due to injury.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS: Kolo Muani, Thauvin, Coman
To fit Deschamps’ 4-2-3-1 formation, a three-man support line for the striker was chosen. World champion in 2018, Florian Thauvin had an impressive season with Lens but was not called up. In the left is Kingsley Coman, who plays in Saudi Arabia, and on the right is Randal Kolo Muani, who had a tough season with Tottenham despite his contributions to the national team. Other contenders could have been Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan) or Moussa Diaby (Al-Ittihad). Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) is out due to injury.
FORWARD: Lepaul
Picking the best Ligue 1 goal scorer, Esteban Lepaul with 20 goals for Stade Rennais was preferred. Other options could have been the promising young Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) or Kolo Muani, positioned as a right winger.
The 11 absentees from the French national team: Chevalier – Kalulu, Pavard, Fofana, Udol – Tolisso, Camavinga – Kolo Muani, Thauvin, Coman – Lepaul.
