France has been a dominant team in international football for over a decade. They reached the final of the 2022 World Cup and won the title in 2018. What can we expect from Les Bleus in 2026?
In this article, we’ll explore how France might line up for the tournament, featuring players from clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal. Can you guess who will be included?
GK: Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan of AC Milan is in competition with Lucas Chevalier for the top goalkeeper spot. Given the stakes, Didier Deschamps is likely to choose experience. Maignan has been an outstanding shot-stopper and has effectively taken over from Hugo Lloris.
RB: Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde appears to be the clear choice for right-back. He has had an excellent season with Barcelona and is considered one of the top defenders in the world. Kounde’s ability to handle skilled wingers and to play as a center-back enhances his value in tournaments.
CB: William Saliba
William Saliba is among the leading defenders currently. While his teammate Gabriel often gets the spotlight at Arsenal, Saliba quietly performs crucial defensive work with outstanding positioning and tackling skills.
CB: Loic Bade
For the other center-back position, we suggest Loic Bade. He has been impressive for Bayer Leverkusen, earning four clean sheets in January. Bade’s height and strength, along with his technical skills, make him a strong candidate to pair with Saliba.
LB: Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez, now with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, is still among the world’s top left-backs. He has played in every league match this season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists, helping his team lead the league.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is a well-rounded midfielder known for his defending and passing abilities. After a dip in form led to his absence from the national team, injuries to other players have opened the door for his return.
CM: Warren Zaire-Emery
Warren Zaire-Emery complements Tchouameni’s style with his creativity and energy. This World Cup could be a chance for the 19-year-old PSG midfielder to make a name for himself. His precise passing has earned him a starting position this season.
RW: Michael Olise
Since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace, Michael Olise has excelled as a winger. He has become a great scorer and playmaker, known for his dribbling and crossing skills, although he often plays slightly deeper in midfield.
AM: Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki has only four caps for France but has impressed in his first season at Manchester City. He combines experience with youthful energy, having scored nine goals and provided nine assists this season.
LW: Ousmane Dembele
As the recent Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele is likely to be a key player for France in the 2026 World Cup. While his current season hasn’t been stellar, eight goals and four assists in 14 Ligue 1 games is still a notable achievement.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is almost certainly set to be France’s main striker at the World Cup. With 38 goals in 30 games this season, the Real Madrid forward is having an outstanding spell.