D-84 marks the countdown to the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Following a stellar qualifying campaign where the French national team scored 16 points from 18, Didier Deschamps’ squad is gearing up for two crucial preparatory matches. They will face Brazil on March 26, followed by a clash with Colombia on March 29, providing a significant test ahead of the tournament.
Revisiting Kylian Mbappé’s Injury
In a twist of fate, the squad announcement came with both optimism and concern. Kylian Mbappé, who had raised eyebrows due to a knee injury sustained in a recent match against Manchester City, has been included in Deschamps’ latest roster. Despite only managing around 20 minutes of play in his last outing, his presence will be vital for the French team as they prepare for the World Cup.
Squad Adjustments: New Faces and Absences
However, the coach’s decisions were not without their challenges. Neither Jules Koundé nor Bradley Barcola will feature in the upcoming matches due to injuries—the former carrying a hamstring issue and the latter suffering from a severe ankle sprain. In this context, Deschamps has opted to maintain faith in Lucas Chevalier, a relatively inexperienced goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain, likely looking to bolster his confidence and capability ahead of the tournament.
Pierre Kalulu also makes the cut in defense, joining fellow defenders, the Hernandez brothers, and established players to form a solid backline. As the team dynamics shift, the inclusion of Rayan Cherki becomes noteworthy in the forward line, alongside Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. Hugo Ekitike, currently excelling with Liverpool, earns a spot as well, while Maghnes Akliouche also joins the fray.
Notable Players in the Midfield
Midfield anchors N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot are present, emphasizing the depth and experience needed for the World Cup. However, as Deschamps builds his final squad, notable absentees raise eyebrows—most prominently, Benjamin Pavard will not be part of the preparations.
The Complete Team Line-Up
The comprehensive squad list for the upcoming fixtures is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Maignan, Chevalier, Samba
- Defenders: Saliba, Konaté, Upamecano, Gusto, Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Théo Hernandez, Kalulu
- Midfielders: Tchouameni, Koné, Rabiot, Zaire-Emery, Camavinga, Kanté
- Forwards: Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué, Olise, Cherki, Ekitike, Akliouche, Kolo Muani, Thuram
As the countdown ticks down to the World Cup, Didier Deschamps faces both excitement and scrutiny. With a blend of new talent and seasoned players, all eyes will be on how well this squad prepares for the grand stage. The preparatory matches against Brazil and Colombia will serve as a crucial litmus test for the team’s chemistry and resilience as they aim for another World Cup title.