Didier Deschamps has confirmed his final squad, a 26-man selection that will represent France at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The announcement carried an extra layer of significance: it marks the end of an era after 14 years of Deschamps' stewardship, a period that delivered the 2018 world title and a runner-up finish in 2022. For his swansong tournament, the manager has balanced loyalty with a few notable surprises, calling up three players who were not in the recent campaign while leaving out a starlet from Real Madrid and a Tottenham forward.
The most intriguing name is Robin Risser, the RC Lens goalkeeper who recently claimed the UNFP award for Ligue 1's best goalkeeper. The young shot-stopper will serve as France's third-choice behind the established pair, yet his inclusion signals a generational transition. Risser’s rise has been meteoric: he broke into the Lens first team two seasons ago and has since excelled with his shot-stopping and aerial command. Deschamps evidently sees him as a long-term option in goal, and the World Cup environment, even as the reserve, will provide invaluable experience. He joins a lineage of Lens keepers to earn national call-ups, a testament to the club's development pathway.
Defender Maxence Lacroix receives another opportunity after impressing during the last international break. His performance in the blue jersey convinced Deschamps to include him as the extra defensive body, nudging out other candidates. Lacroix, who can operate at centre-back, offers pace and physicality—attributes that will be crucial against the tournament's varied attacking threats. The selection suggests Deschamps values his recent form and tactical flexibility over more established names. With nine defenders in the squad, France boasts depth across the back line, and Lacroix could be a valuable understudy to the starters.
Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta has earned a berth, edging out Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani. Mateta’s inclusion rewards a season of consistent goalscoring at club level, while Kolo Muani’s omission reflects a dip in output since his move to North London. Mateta offers a physical presence and a knack for holding up play, traits that could serve as a plan B off the bench for Les Bleus. His call-up also highlights Deschamps’ willingness to trust form over reputation—a philosophy that solidified his tenure.
Absentee-wise, the name generating most discussion is Eduardo Camavinga. The Real Madrid midfielder was widely tipped to make the final cut, with many analysts projecting him as an integral part of the engine room. However, his recent performances for club and country may have fallen short of Deschamps’ expectations. The manager opted for an additional defender instead, suggesting a focus on defensive solidity. Camavinga’s omission is a reminder of France’s absurd depth: even a Champions League-winning midfielder can miss out. He remains young and likely to be a future pillar, but for now he watches from outside.
Kolo Muani’s absence mirrors a broader theme: Deschamps prefers tried-and-tested patterns in attack. The forward has struggled to replicate the form that once made him a regular, and the emergence of other options pushed him out. With nine attacking players named, competition is fierce. The squad features a mix of inverted wingers, traditional number nines and wide forwards, allowing multiple tactical shapes.
Overall, the 26-man group contains no further major shocks. The squad breaks down into three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and nine forwards—a structure that mirrors Deschamps’ pragmatic approach. The backbone remains familiar, anchored by World Cup-winning core members, yet infused with fresh blood. France will travel to the tournament as one of the favourites, seeking to add a third star to the crest after their 2018 triumph.
Deschamps’ final team selection is both a nod to continuity and a glimpse of the future. By integrating Risser, Lacroix and Mateta while leaving out household names, he has made a statement about performance and readiness. As France prepare for their campaign opener on 11 June, the spotlight now shifts to how this squad gels under the departing coach. With talent across every line, the French faithful will hope that Deschamps’ last chapter ends with the ultimate prize.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.