Didier Deschamps will take one last France side to the World Cup with a squad that reflects both the continuity of his long tenure and the gradual shift toward a new generation expected to define the national team beyond 2026.

France arrive at the tournament again carrying the weight of expectation. Deschamps, still among the few men to have won the World Cup as both a player and manager, has built another squad heavy with attacking talent and tournament experience as he prepares to step away after the competition.

Kylian Mbappe, now firmly established as captain and central figure of the side, headlines the selection for what will be his third World Cup appearance. The Real Madrid forward remains the focal point of France’s attack and enters the tournament within reach of major scoring milestones for both country and competition.

Around him, Deschamps has assembled a forward line crowded with options. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram all feature in a group that offers pace, movement and technical variety, giving France multiple attacking combinations without significantly altering the team’s overall shape.

The balance between youth and experience remains a defining feature of the squad. Warren Zaire-Emery and N’Golo Kante, separated by 15 years in age, are both included in midfield, illustrating the blend Deschamps has leaned on throughout his tenure with the national side.

Several omissions, though, are likely to attract attention.

Eduardo Camavinga has been left out entirely after what has been described as a difficult season with Real Madrid. His versatility across midfield and left-back had previously made him a useful option in tournament football, but Deschamps has chosen other profiles this time.

Randal Kolo Muani also misses the squad, denying the forward an opportunity to return to the World Cup stage four years after the defining moment that followed him from France’s previous campaign.

Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has not been selected either, with his absence viewed as another setback following his move to Paris Saint-Germain. Hugo Ekitike was unavailable because of a long-term Achilles injury.

Even with those absences, France still possess one of the deepest squads in the tournament on paper. Much of that comes from the continuity Deschamps has maintained across several major competitions, while gradually introducing younger attacking players into a group already familiar with the demands of knockout football.