Bixente Lizarazu’s Ideal XI for the 2026 World Cup
Bixente Lizarazu, the 1998 World Cup champion alongside Didier Deschamps, took center stage on the set of Téléfoot to present his vision for France’s starting eleven for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Acknowledging the challenge of selecting a squad from such a talented pool of French players, Lizarazu made some notable choices that could shape the national team’s future.
Strong Defensive Choices
Left Back: Lucas Digne
One of Lizarazu’s standout decisions is to include Lucas Digne as the left back, replacing Théo Hernandez. Digne’s consistency and defensive reliability make him a safer choice in Lizarazu’s tactical setup. Hernandez, while possessing immense talent, has been labeled as inconsistent, prompting Lizarazu to favor Digne’s performance.
Central Defense: Saliba and Upamecano
In a crucial area of the pitch, Lizarazu opted for a central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. With both players showing promise at the club level, their combination offers a robust defensive backbone. Mike Maignan, widely acknowledged for his goalkeeping abilities, is set to guard the net, providing the team with stability.
Right Back: Jules Koundé
On the right flank, Lizarazu parades Jules Koundé, whose solid defensive attributes have caught the eye. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a strategic choice for the right-back position.
Midfield Dynamics
Double Pivot: Tchouaméni and Koné
In midfield, Lizarazu has paired Aurélien Tchouaméni with Manu Koné, a decision reflecting a shift in tactical dynamics. While Adrien Rabiot is also a capable midfielder, Lizarazu believes that Koné offers a unique profile that complements Tchouaméni’s skill set, reinforcing the team’s depth and adaptability.
An Explosive Attack
Forward Line: Doué, Dembélé, Olise, and Mbappé
Lizarazu’s attacking quartet consists of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappé. This combination showcases not only speed and creativity but also a wealth of options in attack. Each player brings a different dimension: Doué’s agility, Dembélé’s flair, Olise’s creativity, and Mbappé’s explosive pace.
Acknowledging Complexity
Throughout his selection, Lizarazu emphasized the difficulty of his choices. The depth of talent available to France is immense, making every selection a balance of form, fitness, and tactical fit. As the Blues prepare for the 2026 World Cup, this eleven crafted by Lizarazu could represent France’s best chance to reclaim the trophy.
Conclusion
Bixente Lizarazu’s starting eleven for the 2026 World Cup reflects a strategic blend of experience, youth, and talent. His decisions offer insights into the potential dynamics of the French national team as they look to make a significant impact on the world stage. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these choices pan out as the tournament approaches.