News Focus
- Four Italian league players selected for France’s 26-man World Cup group
- AC Milan duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot both included for the tournament
- Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram picked after winning the Italian league and cup double
- Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga left out
- Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta called up despite a failed move to Milan in January
Didier Deschamps has announced his final France squad for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament starts next month across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The French coach has selected four footballers from Italy’s top division. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfielder Adrien Rabiot both come from AC Milan. Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram and Juventus midfielder Manu Koné complete the Italian league representation.
Thuram joins the national team after helping his club win both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia this season. However, his younger brother Khephren Thuram will not travel with the squad. The Juventus midfielder is one of several surprise omissions.
Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga is also excluded. Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and former Juventus forward Randal Kolo Muani miss out as well.
In an unexpected move, Deschamps has called up Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace. The striker almost joined AC Milan during the January window but the transfer collapsed after he did not pass a medical examination.