Story perspectives

Deschamps Announces France Squad, Exit, Mbappé Captains Injured

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

France coach Didier Deschamps announced a squad for the 2026 World Cup May 14, 2026 and said he will leave after the tournament.
France is in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway, opening June 16 as the tournament runs June 11-July 19 in Canada, Mexico and United States.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé will captain despite a thigh injury, while Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser becomes the third-choice keeper behind AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Rennes’s Brice Samba.

History

Historical Context

France’s first World Cup triumph came on 12 July 1998, when host nation defeated Brazil 3-0 at the Stade de France, delivering its inaugural title and the sixth victory on home soil. Echoing Aimé Jacquet’s bold picks, coach Didier Deschamps named Kylian Mbappé captain in May 2026, hoping to repeat that historic success for France in the tournament.

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Story summary

France coach Didier Deschamps announced a squad for the 2026 World Cup May 14, 2026 and said he will leave after the tournament.
France is in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway, opening June 16 as the tournament runs June 11-July 19 in Canada, Mexico and United States.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé will captain despite a thigh injury, while Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser becomes the third-choice keeper behind AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Rennes’s Brice Samba.

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