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There is a strong and almost undeniable feeling that not only are France a major contender for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, but that Les Bleus are simply the ones to beat.
In the last two tournaments, France have finished champions (2018) and runners-up (2022) and as Didier Deschamps looks to end his remarkable coaching reign (one of only three coaches to win the World Cup as a player and coach) this summer, his recently announced 26-man squad is more than ready to win the third title in its history.
But he doesn’t get carried away.
“I have ambition and I want the players to have it too,” Deschamps said at a press conference after making this announcement. “But I don’t want us to lose our humility. I’m not going to hide and say that we are not one of the teams that have the potential to become world champions… but there are eight, maybe ten teams that can say that. It’s not by shouting: ‘We are the best, we are the strongest.'”
Here is what I remember about the France team for the World Cup:
1. Don’t be surprised by these snobs
Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani remain behind. (Getty Images)
Deschamp’s composure has made him a successful head coach at the international level and despite my appreciation for his humility, no matter how he describes it, he knows his team is terribly deep. So much so that some very talented and well-known names failed to qualify. Will this come back to haunt Deschamps or are the omissions the result of a truly and terribly dangerous team that needed balance, experience and clinical ability to go all the way? Time will surely tell.
France has such a talented pool of players that the nation could have filled it. two leading teams for the World Cup. Heads definitely turned when Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani, two players from the 2022 squad, were left out this time. But there is nothing controversial about Deschamps’ decision to omit these two players, regardless of their national team history.
Camavinga was the only outfield player who did not start any of the team’s friendlies against Brazil and Croatia in March. His season with Real Madrid was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, and you simply can’t afford to go through that kind of campaign and expect to make the France team.
Even more can be said of Kolo Muani, who only has five goals to his name with Tottenham Hotspur (on loan from PSG) and only one in the Premier League, which was in February. With the embarrassment of riches on the offensive line (even without injured Liverpool youngster Hugo Ekitiké), Kolo Muani, if he’s honest with himself, probably saw this coming. They both did.
2. A chance for Kylian Mbappé to reset
Kylian Mbappé will have to overcome the recent drama. (Getty Images)
Despite individual achievements with Real Madrid (once again topping the La Liga goalscoring charts), Kylian Mbappé endured a tumultuous second season with Los Blancos, who once again surrendered the league title to Barcelona and failed to deliver a Champions League trophy, a piece of silverware the French captain has yet to win.
Worse yet, the fans are turning against him. On Thursday evening, after returning from injury and coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory against Real Oviedo, he was booed by his own supporters. Reported friction with manager Álvaro Arbeloa (and Xabi Alonso before him) isn’t helping, so this World Cup probably comes at a good time for Mbappé. This is an opportunity to hit the reset button and reclaim his status as the best striker in the game. He will need to display the right mindset to help France win a third World Cup title and their second.
Who knows, maybe when he returns to Madrid (yes?) he will have José Mourinho to welcome him as his new coach! Whether positive or negative, I leave it to you, esteemed reader. But when it comes to France, especially with so many youngsters, Deschamps will need his leader to be at the top of his game, mentally and physically.
3. N’Golo Kanté gives balance to a glitzy team
N’Golo Kanté brings experience. (Getty Images)
France is historically renowned for two globally respected exports: exquisite red wine from the Bordeaux region and N’Golo Kanté. Both improve with age.
We can all marvel at Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and many other attackers, but France’s success depends mainly on the defensive spine of the team – from the excellent, resilient spirit of Arsenal’s William Saliba to Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, the back line will be key.
But I would like to salute the always reliable genius of N’Golo Kanté, who will once again be the most important player in the French team. Even at 35, he will be essential due to his ability to read the game, provide stability and make tactical decisions during vital moments of action. Without him, France would be weaker.
France is at its best when it is strong disabled the ball, protecting Mike Maignan’s goal and allowing the offensive line to flourish in the final third. Deschamps, former defensive midfielder (and one of the best of all time in this position) knows this all too well.
And I really wouldn’t worry about Kanté because, as the playwright David Mamet wrote, “Old age and betrayal will always prevail over youth and exuberance.”
4. Will talent compensate for experience?
Mike Maignan takes over in France’s goals. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
One particular factor to remember is that there are a lot of World Cup newcomers in this team. In total, there are 13 players who have never experienced the biggest sporting event on the world stage. The goalkeepers for example, all three – Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens) and Brice Samba (Rennes) – are new to the competition. From Chelsea’s Malo Gusto to Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) and Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), there is obvious talent but no experience.
France will most likely have PSG’s Olise and Désiré Doué in the starting lineup – barring injury – but the one I’m focusing on is Maignan. He’s clearly an experienced stopper with a lot of pedigree, but this is a big opportunity for him. We all know how important Hugo Lloris has been to France throughout his career, so it is essential that the goalkeeper rises to the occasion. Maignan, who was not part of the 2022 team due to injury, will now take full advantage.
FIFA World Cup 2026: how to watch
The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match broadcast live and on demand in both countries. FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be broadcast free on Tubias well as the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
