France Names Mbappe and Dembele to Star-Studded World Cup Squad

France National Team Announces 26-Man Squad for World Cup

French national team coach Didier Deschamps has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The team will be led by forward Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to captain the side despite missing several matches due to a thigh injury.

Goalkeeper Robin Risser, who had a breakthrough season with Lens, has been included in the squad after winning the award for best goalkeeper earlier this week. Deschamps has also called up Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was preferred over Randal Kolo Muani.

The team’s attacking force is expected to be formidable, with Mbappe joined by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, rising star Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche. Cherki will make his World Cup debut after an impressive first season at Manchester City.

Deschamps has also included several other notable players in the squad, including defenders Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, and Lucas Hernandez, midfielders N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, and Adrien Rabiot, and forwards Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise.

The French team will be competing in Group I, taking on Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the group stage. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19.

Source: Al Jazeera