L'Equipe has launched an interactive feature inviting French football fans to submit their ideal squad for the 2026 World Cup. The exercise, titled "Faites votre liste de l'équipe de France," allows users to select 23 players they believe should represent Les Bleus at the tournament in North America.
The platform provides a list of eligible players, from established stars like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann to emerging talents such as Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola. Fans can drag and drop names into a designated squad, with the option to save and share their selections. The results are aggregated to show the most popular choices among the public.
This initiative taps into a long-standing tradition in French football culture: the passionate debate over national team selections. For decades, fans and pundits have debated who should wear the blue shirt, especially in the buildup to major tournaments. The 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a new challenge for Didier Deschamps, who will likely rely on a mix of experienced leaders and hungry youngsters.
Historically, fan polls have offered a snapshot of public sentiment, though they rarely mirror the actual choices of the coaching staff. In 2018, for example, public opinion favored players like Alexandre Lacazette and Adrien Rabiot, but the title-winning squad omitted both. Similarly, in 2022, there were strong calls for the inclusion of Benzema—who eventually won the Ballon d'Or—yet he missed the tournament due to injury.
The current squad depth is formidable. France has an abundance of talent in every position, from the goalkeeping strength of Mike Maignan and Brice Samba to an attack brimming with speed and creativity. The most intense debates often revolve around the midfield pivot and the defensive pairing. Players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have cemented their places, but others like Youssouf Fofana and Khéphren Thuram push for spots.
For Deschamps, public opinion may not dictate his selections, but it serves as a gauge of the national mood. The fan-voted squad could highlight overlooked talents or reaffirm the status quo. It also strengthens the bond between supporters and the national team ahead of the qualifying campaign.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, L'Equipe's exercise provides a platform for every fan to have their say. It's more than a simple poll; it's a celebration of French football's depth and the collective passion of its supporters. Who will make the cut in your list?
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.