Kylian Mbapp will spearheadFranceat theWorld Cupafter national team coachDidier Deschampson Thursday announced his 26-man squad for this summer's tournament in theUnited States,CanadaandMexico.
Deschamps, who guided Franceto World Cup glory in 2018and will leave his role after the 2026 edition, included few surprises.
Mbapp will likely captain the team despite a thigh injury sustained last month, which caused him to miss key matches inReal Madrid's LaLigarun-in.
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However, the 27-year-old will be on the plane to North America as part of a glittering French forward line, also featuringBallon d'OrholderOusmane Dembland Desir Dou of Paris Saint-Germain andBayern Munichwinger Michael Olise.
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Rayan Cherki will make his World Cup debut. The 22-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a sparkling debut season atManchester City, while his Premier League rival William Saliba ofArsenalwill provide defensive solidity forLes Bleus.
Full-back Lucas Hernandez and midfield dynamo N'Golo Kante are, alongside Mbappe and Dembele, the only survivors from Deschamps' World Cup-winning squad from eight years ago inRussia.
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace/ENG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Originally published on France24
