France coach Didier Deschamps has officially confirmed his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga among the notable absentees.
Camavinga’s omission comes after the Real Madrid midfielder suffered a complete tear of his left adductor tendon shortly before the squad announcement, ruling him out of the tournament.
France have also been forced to leave out several other players because of injury concerns ahead of the competition in North America.
Forward Hugo Ekitiké, currently with Liverpool, was not selected after sustaining a severe Achilles tendon injury during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Defender Ferland Mendy also missed out because of an ongoing tibia injury.
Despite the injury setbacks, several high-profile names were excluded purely on tactical grounds as Deschamps trimmed his squad ahead of the tournament.
Forward Randal Kolo Muani, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, did not make the final selection following what was described as a difficult club season.
Experienced defender Benjamin Pavard was also omitted, with Deschamps opting for other defensive options including William Saliba.
Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier missed out as the coaching staff preferred younger alternatives, while Alphonse Areola was overlooked for the third goalkeeper position.
Further attacking exclusions included Christopher Nkunku and Kingsley Coman, with Deschamps reportedly prioritising younger attacking players for the tournament.
Several additional defenders, midfielders and forwards were also left out despite being considered among France’s wider talent pool.
Among the defensive omissions were Axel Disasi, Jean-Clair Todibo, Leny Yoro and Sacha Boey.
Midfielders Mattéo Guendouzi, Youssouf Fofana and Corentin Tolisso were also not included.
Emerging talents Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué have also earned places in the final squad following impressive club performances.
In midfield, Deschamps has retained experienced names such as N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The selected goalkeepers are Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Robin Risser.
France’s defensive options include Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
Les Bleus have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
France will begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium before facing Iraq on June 22 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Their final group-stage fixture will come against Erling Haaland’s Norway on June 26 at Gillette Stadium in what is expected to be one of the standout matches of the opening round.
