Didier Deschamps has announced a 26-man squad for France’s upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia, providing a crucial glance at his options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bleus will face Brazil in Boston on March 26th, followed by a match against Colombia in Washington D.C. On March 29th. The squad features the return of several key players, including captain Kylian Mbappé, and a first-time call-up for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.
Squad Details: A Blend of Experience and New Faces
Deschamps’ selection reflects a balance between established stars and emerging talent as France prepares for the expanded 26-team World Cup format. The squad showcases depth across all positions, though the goalkeeper situation remains largely unchanged.
Goalkeepers
Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), and Brice Samba (Stade Rennais) form the goalkeeping contingent. Despite a recent change in status at PSG, Chevalier retains his place in the national team setup. Notably, Jean Butez of Côme and Robin Risser of Lens were not included in the selection.
Defenders
The defensive line features a mix of familiar faces and a notable newcomer. Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), and Théo Hernandez (Al-Hilal) provide experience at full-back. Central defense will be anchored by Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich). The inclusion of Pierre Kalulu, capable of playing both center-back and right-back, marks his first appearance in the senior national team.
Midfielders
France boasts a strong midfield core. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), and Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG) offer a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical versatility. Deschamps appears to have a clear picture of his midfield options, with no major surprises in this area.
Forwards
The attacking line is particularly potent. Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), and Marcus Thuram (Inter) provide a wealth of options. Mbappé’s inclusion is particularly significant given his recent return from injury. With Bradley Barcola sidelined due to injury, Kolo Muani returns to the squad, adding another dimension to the attack.
Kalulu’s Debut and Koundé’s Absence
The call-up of Pierre Kalulu represents a new opportunity for the Juventus defender to showcase his abilities on the international stage. Kalulu’s versatility will be valuable to Deschamps, offering cover in multiple positions. Conversely, Jules Koundé’s absence due to injury is a notable change to the squad.
Mbappé’s Return: A Boost for France
The inclusion of captain Kylian Mbappé, despite a recent injury, is a major positive for France. His presence provides a significant boost to the team’s attacking threat and leadership. Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé has followed the necessary protocols in his recovery and is available for selection.
What’s Next for the Bleus?
These friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia serve as vital preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps will be looking to assess his players’ form, experiment with different tactical approaches, and fine-tune his squad selection. The matches will provide a valuable opportunity to build momentum and cohesion ahead of the tournament. Following these March friendlies, the team will reconvene closer to the World Cup for further preparation. The next confirmed checkpoint is the announcement of the final World Cup squad on May 13th, 2026, on TF1.
Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the French national team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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