The French national football team has announced its roster for upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia, with star forward Kylian Mbappé included despite recent injury concerns. The matches, serving as key preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will provide a valuable test for Les Bleus against two strong South American opponents. The confirmation of Mbappé’s availability is a significant boost for head coach Didier Deschamps as he assesses his squad’s form and readiness for the tournament.
Deschamps confirmed Mbappé’s inclusion, stating the player’s desire to gain playing time was a key factor in his selection. He dismissed suggestions that the call-up was motivated by marketing considerations, emphasizing the sporting rationale behind the decision. Besoccer.com reported that Mbappé recently returned to action after a knee injury, playing 25 minutes for Real Madrid against Manchester City in a Champions League match. Deschamps indicated that Mbappé’s condition will be further evaluated after Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Atlético Madrid before a final decision is made regarding his participation in the friendlies.
𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒 𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐀̀ ! 💙🔥Cap sur les États-Unis avec 2 matchs face au Brésil 🇧🇷 et à la Colombie 🇨🇴 🔜 Rendez-vous lundi à Clairefontaine pour l’arrivée 😄
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 19, 2026
The match against Colombia is scheduled for March 29th in the United States, following a match against Brazil on March 26th. Deschamps acknowledged the limited preparation time available but highlighted the quality of the opposition. He described Brazil as a strong contender for the World Cup and praised Colombia’s growing strength, noting the increasing number of Colombian players excelling in European leagues. Colombia.com noted that this match is generating significant anticipation in Colombia.
Squad Selection and Key Absences
Alongside Mbappé, midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been named in the 26-man squad. Though, defender Jules Koundé will miss the matches due to injury. In a move described as a “gesture of humanity” by Deschamps, goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been included despite limited recent playing time, according to Futbolred.com. This inclusion signals Deschamps’ commitment to recognizing players even during periods of inactivity.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG/FRA), Mike Maignan (Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Rennes/FRA).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ING), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ING), Lucas Hernandez (PSG/FRA), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal/ARS), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool/ING), William Saliba (Arsenal/ING), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Múnich/ALE).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe/TUR), Manu Koné (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (Milan/ITA), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG/FRA)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Mónaco/FRA), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ING), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/fra), Désiré Doué (PSG/FRA), Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool/ING), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham/ING), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Múnich/ALE), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milán/ITA).
Looking Ahead
The upcoming friendlies represent a crucial opportunity for France to fine-tune its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps will be closely monitoring the performance of his players, particularly Mbappé, to assess their fitness and tactical integration. The matches against Brazil and Colombia will provide valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses as they gear up for the challenges ahead. The next confirmed update will be the announcement of the starting lineups for the match against Brazil on March 26th.
What are your thoughts on France’s squad selection? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans.
