France has just over 69 million inhabitants according to the latest reports from INSEE. And we can say that there are almost as many selectors throughout the country. Everyone has their opinion on the Blues and the players who should participate or not in the 2026 World Cup. But it is Didier Deschamps who will decide. Supported by his staff, the French technician had choices to make. Some were easier than others. Tonight on the 8 p.m. news TF1he will reveal his final list against Gilles Bouleau. His seventh since he took office and his last before leaving his place as coach after the tournament organized jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Hesitations over the composition of the list
He therefore hopes to finish in style and win this trophy as in 2018. To achieve this, he will rely on 26 players including a hard core led by captain Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker will be the leader of the national team. Mike Maignan, Aurélien Tchouameni, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé and even Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembélé will also bring their experience. DD will also count on the talent and enthusiasm of young Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise. This morning, several uncertainties still remain in the minds of the French staff. As explained The TeamDD and his teams are hesitant about the structure of the list. In fact, they must decide on the number of players to take per position. If the Blues will start with 3 goalkeepers, the staff must decide for the defenders (8 or 9 players), the midfielders (5 or 6 players) and the attackers (8 or 9 players).
According to the sports daily, we should move, without being 100% sure, towards a list with 8 defenders (Dayot Upamecano, the brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Lucas Digne, Ibrahima KonatĂ©, Jules KoundĂ© and Malo Gusto), 6 midfielders (N’Golo KantĂ©, Adrien Rabiot, Manu KonĂ©, AurĂ©lien Tchouameni, Warren ZaĂŻre-Emery and Eduardo Camavinga) and 9 attackers (Kylian MbappĂ©, Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, Michael Olise, DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ©, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche, who is on favorable waivers). With the withdrawal of Hugo Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani, highly appreciated by DD despite a complicated season, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has a different profile, are competing for a place. The presence of RKM would still be a big surprise after his year. The Team specifies that this composition of the list was not yet fully recorded last night by the staff, who has hesitations.
Knight in the Trap, Camavinga and other uncertainties
In defense, elements like Pierre Kalulu and Maxence Lacroix, who pleased DD, can have a little hope. In the midfield, Camavinga’s place is not assured. The midfielder has had a very disappointing season. His experience in the Blues and his relationship with Deschamps and the group could save him. His presence would be a strong choice on the part of DD, since many believe that he does not deserve to be in the game. Camavinga could also be overtaken in the final straight by KhĂ©phren Thuram, who has supporters according to The Parisian. The biggest surprise could come from the identity of the third goalkeeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. A place that seemed destined for Lucas Chevalier. But the former Lille player lost his starting place at PSG. Demoted to third position in the hierarchy during the March rally, he was threatened by Alphonse Areola, Robin Risser and Jean Butez, and by a possible return of Hugo Lloris.
Concerning the former captain of the Blues, his comeback was never envisaged by the staff assures The Team. On the other hand, Chevalier has a lot to worry about. The Team explains that DD and his assistants hoped that he would play at least 2 matches again after the March break. But that was not the case. To make matters worse, he was injured, having not played again since last January. Last night, the staff, who revealed to Parisian that “everything remained open”was still hesitant and will make his decision this Thursday morning. Information that is consistent with that of The Teamwho specifies that the staff hesitates between Alphonse Areola, who has played little but knows the Blues and the role of No. 3, and Robin Risser, younger but author of a good year in Lens. Lucas Chevalier could therefore well fall by the wayside. This is the trend this Thursday morning. Others like Florian Thauvin, Corentin Tolisso, Estéban Lepaul and Matthieu Udol may also be concerned.
