Didier Deschamps has unveiled his final squad as France manager, and it is a list that will likely avoid the heated debates that have often accompanied his selections. The 26-man roster for the upcoming World Cup in the United States features a solitary new face: Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser. There are no blockbuster inclusions, no headline-grabbing omissions, and no last-minute gambits.
The announcement, made during the TF1 evening news on Thursday, had an air of inevitability. Most of the names had been telegraphed in the March squad or through recent leaks. Even Risser’s call-up was not entirely unexpected; his name had surfaced in discussions as early as February before briefly disappearing and then re-emerging. This lack of surprise reflects the settled nature of a group that Deschamps has shaped over his long tenure.
Since taking over in 2012, Deschamps has often used squad announcements to send messages or spring surprises. The return of Karim Benzema ahead of Euro 2021 and the inclusion of N’Golo Kanté for Euro 2024 were both bold, debate-sparking decisions. This time, however, the coach opted for continuity. The list for the World Cup is his largest ever, with 26 players traveling to the USA, but it contains only one uncapped player: Risser, a 21-year-old who has yet to make a senior appearance for Les Bleus.
The goalkeeper position has been a rare area of turnover. With Hugo Lloris retired from international football, Mike Maignan has established himself as the clear number one. Behind him, Alphonse Areola and Brice Samba have been regular deputies. Risser’s inclusion as the fourth choice signals a nod to the future, but it also underscores how thin the competition is beyond the established trio. For now, Risser will likely serve as a training presence rather than a genuine option for minutes.
The outfield selection is almost identical to the March gathering. The absence of Eduardo Camavinga stands out, but perhaps not as much as it once would have. The Real Madrid midfielder has endured a difficult club season, struggling for consistent minutes even when fellow midfielder Manu Koné was unavailable. Camavinga’s talent is undisputed, but his form did not demand selection. Similarly, Lucas Chevalier and Randal Kolo Muani have been hampered by challenging campaigns. Chevalier, a goalkeeper for Lille, has seen his stock dip, while Kolo Muani’s move to Paris Saint-Germain has not yet yielded the expected returns.
In the past, Deschamps has shown loyalty to players who have delivered for him in major tournaments, sometimes overlooking club form. This time, however, there appears to be a more meritocratic edge. Players like Camavinga, who was the outfield player with the fewest minutes in March despite Koné’s absence, clearly did not meet the threshold. The coach’s willingness to leave out such talent suggests he is prioritizing readiness and reliability over potential.
The reaction in France has been notably muted. Without a glaring injustice or a forgotten superstar, pundits and fans have found little to contest. Some may point to the cruel nature of selection, but hard-luck stories abound in every squad announcement. The key difference is that the omissions feel explainable rather than arbitrary. This is not a list that will dominate talk shows or social media through the spring and summer.
From a tactical standpoint, the squad offers Deschamps familiar options in every department. The midfield retains its blend of steel and creativity, the attack boasts world-class explosiveness, and the defense provides a mix of youth and composure. The balance suggests Deschamps will stick with the systems that have brought France success, whether a 4-3-3 or a flexible 4-2-3-1.
The World Cup in the United States represents a swan song for Deschamps, who has already confirmed he will step down after the tournament. His legacy — which includes a World Cup title in 2018 and a Nations League victory — is secure. This final squad feels like a reflection of his managerial philosophy: built on trust, pragmatism, and a reluctance to disrupt team chemistry. There are no experiments, no olive branches to disgruntled veterans, and no audacious picks.
For the players, the lack of controversy means they can prepare without the usual media circus surrounding squad announcements. The focus can shift entirely to tactical preparation and the group stage opponents. With a core of experienced winners, the team will aim to send Deschamps out on a high. The quiet nature of this list may ultimately be its greatest strength.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.