With just 84 days until the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States – France’s national team is gearing up for a crucial series of preparatory matches. Didier Deschamps, the long-serving Les Bleus manager, unveiled an expanded 26-man roster on Thursday, March 19th, ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil on March 26th and Colombia on March 29th. The squad reflects a blend of established stars and emerging talent as France prepares for what will be Deschamps’ final tournament in charge.
The announcement comes after a nearly flawless qualifying campaign, where France secured 16 points from a possible 18. These upcoming matches in the United States aren’t just about fine-tuning tactics; they represent a final opportunity for Deschamps to assess his options before the expanded World Cup competition. A key storyline surrounding the team is the return of captain Kylian Mbappé, who has been recovering from a knee injury. He recently saw approximately 20 minutes of action for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League, signaling his increasing fitness.
Injuries and Surprises in Deschamps’ Selection
However, not all news is positive for France. Jules Koundé will miss the matches due to a hamstring injury, and Bradley Barcola is sidelined with a severe ankle sprain, expected to keep him out for at least a month. Despite a perceived lack of consistent playing time at Paris Saint-Germain, Lucas Chevalier has retained Deschamps’ confidence, earning a spot in the squad. Pierre Kalulu also earns a call-up, bolstering the defensive options alongside the established Hernandez brothers and other key defenders.
The decision to include Chevalier has sparked debate, with a recent online poll revealing a split among fans – 579 voters believing Deschamps should continue to support the talented goalkeeper despite limited minutes, while 690 felt only regular starters should be selected. This highlights the ongoing discussion about balancing potential with current form.
Mbappé Returns, Cherki Gets a Chance
Mbappé’s inclusion is a significant boost for the team, allaying fears that his injury might keep him out of these crucial preparation matches. His presence will be vital both on and off the pitch as France looks to build momentum heading into the summer tournament. With Barcola unavailable, Deschamps has called up Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram, and Randal Kolo Muani to strengthen the attacking options. Hugo Ekitike, who has been performing well for Liverpool, also receives a call-up, alongside Maghnes Akliouche.
The midfield will feature the familiar faces of N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot, while Benjamin Pavard is notably absent from the squad. The expanded roster size – 26 players compared to the usual 23 – is a strategic move by Deschamps to mitigate the logistical challenges of calling up late replacements in case of injuries.
Full Squad List
- Goalkeepers: Maignan, Chevalier, Samba
- Defenders: Saliba, Konaté, Upamecano, Gusto, Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Théo Hernandez, Kalulu
- Midfielders: Tchouameni, Koné, Rabiot, Zaïre-Emery, Camavinga, Kanté
- Forwards: Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué, Olise, Cherki, Ekitike, Akliouche, Kolo Muani, Thuram
This latest squad selection marks the final gathering before Deschamps concludes his tenure as France’s manager after the World Cup. The upcoming matches against Brazil and Colombia will provide a valuable test of the team’s readiness and offer a glimpse into Deschamps’ final plans for the tournament. Fans can watch the matches live on TF1 and TF1+ in France, according to TF1 Info.
The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on their strong qualifying form and arrive at the World Cup in peak condition. The focus now shifts to the training camp and the challenges that await against two of South America’s strongest footballing nations. The next confirmed checkpoint for Les Bleus will be the matches against Brazil on March 26th and Colombia on March 29th, providing a crucial indicator of their form and preparation for the summer’s main event.
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