J-253 before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the last of the Deschamps era (June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico). To be there, the Blues will have to finish first in their qualification group, or to win in dams, which the tricolor coach would surely like to avoid. For the moment, the journey of his men is under control, with two victories in as many meetings.
It will be necessary to renew it against Azerbaijan next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes, then three days later during a moving hair to scratch to Iceland. In view of these two games, Didier Deschamps unveiled his list of played players on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, Ousmane Dembélé, hit in the right thigh, Désiré Goué, victim with a calf, or Rayan Cherki, just back, are not summoned.
Deschamps summons
In goals, Mike Maignan will be supported by Lucas Chevalier and Brice Samba. We will note in defense the return of William Saliba, forfeit during the last rally. The defender of Arsenal will be accompanied by Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernandez. No surprise on the right, where Jules Koundé and Malo Gusto leave with ahead of Jonathan Clauss. Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez are logically renewed on the other side.
In the absence of Aurélien Tchouameni, suspended two matches following his red against Iceland last month, Didier Deschamps decided to summon Eduardo Camavonga to support Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné. Barely returned from injury, the Real Madrid player has not replayed the Blues since March 2025. In front, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola are there, just like Hugo Ekitike, despite a physical glitch with Liverpool. Author of good beginnings with AC Milan, Christopher Nkunku is there, just like Maghnes Akliouche yet far from being in good shape with Monaco. Finally, surprise is the first invitation of Jean-Philippe Mateta. Author of good Olympic Games with the Blueberries (5 goals in 6 games), the Crystal Palace player was rewarded at 28 years old.
The full list:
Guardians: Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais)
Defenders: Theo Hernandez (al-Hilal), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Environment: Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Khéphren Thuram (Juventus Turin), Eduardo Camavanga (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Attackers: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Kingsley Coman (Al-Nassr), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan)
