News Focus
- Bayern Munich stars Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise named in France World Cup squad
- France target historic third straight final appearance
- Olise prepares for first major tournament after Olympic silver medal
- Upamecano returns to compete for starting centre-back position
- Several former Bundesliga players included in 26-man roster
Didier Deschamps has named his France squad for this summer’s World Cup. The list includes Bayern Munich duo Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise. France are favourites to win the trophy. They could become the third nation to reach three consecutive finals.
Bayern players have helped France win before. Bixente Lizarazu started at left-back in the 1998 victory. Corentin Tolisso was part of the 2018 success in Russia. Benjamin Pavard joined Bayern after scoring a famous goal against Argentina in 2018.
This is Olise’s first major tournament for his country. The 24-year-old won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. He has played brilliantly for Bayern this season. Fans expect him to shine on the world stage.
Upamecano played in the 2022 final against Argentina. He started all five games in Qatar. Now he must fight for his place. He competes with William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate for a spot in central defence. Konate was his teammate at RB Leipzig.
The squad contains many players with Bundesliga experience. Lucas Hernandez and Maxence Lacroix are defensive options. Lacroix now plays with Olise at Crystal Palace. He gets a surprise chance after strong recent performances for France.
Jean-Philippe Mateta also makes the team. The Crystal Palace striker previously played for Mainz 05. He takes the place of Randal Kolo Muani. The Eintracht Frankfurt forward will not get a chance to fix his miss in the 2022 final.
The attack includes Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram. Dembélé won the Ballon d’Or. Thuram won the Italian league and cup with Inter Milan. Both men previously played in Germany. Dembélé starred for Borussia Dortmund. Thuram played for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Manu Koné provides cover in midfield. He was Thuram’s teammate at Gladbach. France begin against Senegal. This match copies the 2002 World Cup opener. They then face Iraq and Norway. Erling Haaland leads the Norwegian attack.
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)