Didier Deschamps has announced the French national team’s roster for the 2026 World Cup, prominently featuring four players from Italy’s Serie A. The selected individuals are Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, and Marcus Thuram.
The French coach revealed his final 26-player selection for the upcoming tournament, which is set to commence next month across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Serie A will be represented by AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Maignan, and his club teammate in midfield, Rabiot.
Roma midfielder Koné has also earned a spot, marking a significant ascent in the team’s hierarchy, especially as he approaches his 25th birthday this weekend.
Inter Milan striker Thuram, who recently celebrated a domestic double (Scudetto and Coppa Italia) with his club, is also included in the squad.
However, his younger brother, Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, has not been selected for the tournament.
Deschamps has made several noteworthy decisions for this French squad, notably omitting Eduardo Camavinga, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and former Juventus forward Randal Kolo Muani.
In their place, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been called up. Mateta remained with Crystal Palace after failing a medical in January for a potential transfer to Milan.
France’s 2026 World Cup Squad List:
Mike Maignan, Robin Risser Birckel, Brice Samba, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram