Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé lead France squad for 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbapp will spearhead Frances bid for a third global title after national team coach Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad on Thursday for this summers tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and has confirmed he will step down following this edition, opted for a mix of established superstars and breakout talent. Mbapp is expected to captain the side despite a recent thigh injury that sidelined him during Real Madrids final La Liga fixtures.  Joining the 27-year-old in a formidable forward line are Ballon dOr holder Ousmane Dembl, Bayern Munichs Michael Olise, and Paris Saint-Germains Dsir Dou. The squad also features a major tournament debut for Rayan Cherki, the 22-year-old playmaker who has impressed at Manchester City this season. Notable omissions include Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and forward Randal Kolo Muani, with Deschamps citing Camavingas injury-plagued season and lack of consistency.  Only four playersMbapp, Dembl, Lucas Hernandez, and NGolo Kantremain from the squad that lifted the trophy in Russia eight years ago. France has been drawn in Group I and will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in the opening stage.  France’s 26-Man World Cup SquadGoalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes) Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konat (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kound (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) Midfielders: NGolo Kant (Fenerbahce), Manu Kon (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurlien Tchouamni (Real Madrid), Warren Zare-Emery (PSG) Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembl (PSG), Dsir Dou (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbapp (Real Madrid), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) The post Kylian Mbapp and Ousmane Dembl lead France squad for 2026 World Cup appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
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