World Cup 2026 qualifiers: The France squad list for October is out! (official)

World Cup 2026 02 October 2025 at 08:23

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

After an ideal September marked by two victories against Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1), the French national team is back in action for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Didier Deschamps and his men return to the Parc des Princes next Wednesday to face Azerbaijan, before heading into a tricky away fixture in Iceland three days later. With two wins from two matches, Les Bleus are off to a flying start and could already secure a significant part of their ticket to America.

The manager unveiled his list this Thursday, missing several key attacking players, including Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, Randal Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram, all sidelined due to injury. Despite these absences, the squad remains stacked with talent, featuring a blend of experience and youth.

The selected squad

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba.

Defenders: Théo Hernandez, Lucas Digne, Ibrahima Konaté, Malo Gusto, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Lucas Hernandez.

Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, Khéphren Thuram, Eduardo Camavinga, Michael Olise.

Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola, Maghnes Akliouche, Kingsley Coman, Hugo Ekitike, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Christopher Nkunku.

A consistent selection where Kylian Mbappé, captain and attacking leader, will once again carry French hopes. The objective is clear: keep up the momentum and avoid the playoff round.

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