France predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Mbappe & Dembele

Les Blues reached the FIFA World Cup finals in the last two editions.

One of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, France not only defied the Champions Curse in the last edition, but were also on the verge of being the first team to win back-to-back World Cup trophies in the twenty-first century.

The World Cup is around the corner, and this could potentially be Didier Deschamps’ last FIFA World Cup as France head coach. He would be keen to leave no stone unturned to add another trophy to his illustrious trophy cabinet in his last dance.

France have been drawn in a difficult group alongside Erling Haaland‘s Norway, Senegal and Iraq. They have some of the best in-form young stars in their team, including Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise. So choosing the best eleven from a star-studded France squad won’t be an easy task for Deschamps.

In this article, we take a look at France’s predicted XI ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

France predicted lineup (4-2-2-2)

GK – Mike Maignan

The AC Milan custodian has big boots to fill after former Les Blues captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hung up his boots. Maignan is coming after a terrific season with Milan, registering a total of 13 clean sheets across 36 games in the Italian top flight.

This will be his World Cup debut after missing out on the previous edition due to a calf injury. No wonder he is one of the best in the business. His shot-stopping abilities make him the best choice to be the last man in France’s defence.

RB – Jules Kounde

The Barcelona right back is coming after winning his second consecutive LaLiga title. While Theo can accelerate up the wings, Kounde can tuck in as a central defender to offer defensive stability to the team, as they are drawn in a difficult group alongside Norway, Senegal and Iraq.

In 24 games, Kounde contributed three assists. In the last edition, he played a pivotal role in propelling France to the finals and played the entire 120 minutes in the finals.

CB – William Saliba

From making an appearance as a substitute in a defeat to Tunisia in the last World Cup to marshalling France’s defence, Saliba has evolved into a world-class elite defender. This is especially true after guiding Arsenal to their first-ever EPL title in over two decades.

The French centre back led one of the tightest defences, registering 19 clean sheets. He will be a key player to watch out for in Didier Deschamps’ team.

CB – Dayot Upamecano

Upamecano is coming after winning his fourth Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. He was a key contributor in France’s World Cup success in the last edition. He played a total of 24 games for Bayern and was one of the most trusted generals of Vincent Kompany.

Many might argue that Ibrahim Konate of Liverpool should be prioritised, but Upamecano is excellent at passing the ball forward.

LB – Theo Hernandez

Theo’s direct competitor for the left back spot is none other than his brother Lucas Hernandez of PSG. His move from Europe to Al Hilal shocked football fans. But he was an absolute beast in the Saudi Pro League, dominating the left flank.

Didier Deschamps would heavily rely on Theo to make those overlapping runs from the left flank and create good opportunities for Rayan Cherki and Kylian Mbappe.

DM – Aurelien Tchouameni

After the exclusion of his Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga, it is almost guaranteed that Tchouameni will start for France as the defensive midfielder. After all, he started all seven games for France in the last edition.

His long-range screamer against England in the quarterfinals propelled France to the semis. He started 31 games for Real Madrid in their second season without any major domestic or continental silverware.

DM – Adrien Rabiot

Choosing Rabiot over the experienced Ngolo Kante was never easy, but Rabiot has been a consistent starter for France in the qualifiers and in the last few games. Moreover, Rabiot provides tactical discipline, positional balance, and crucial box-to-box physical coverage.

He is coming at the backdrop of a brilliant season with AC Milan, scoring six goals and giving four assists in 28 games for the Milan outfit.

RCAM – Michael Olise

The 24-year-old is one of the best attacking midfielders this season after contributing an impressive 15 goals and 19 assists this season in 32 games. He is coming after winning his second Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and would be keen to continue his form with Les Blues.

This will be his first World Cup. He is a sensational playmaker who drifts inward from the right channel and will be one of the players to watch out for from set pieces.

LCAM – Rayan Cherki

Under Pep Guardiola, Rayan Cherki was an absolute beast for Manchester City, having 16 goal contributions in 32 games. He went on to win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup in his maiden season at the Etihad. Cherki will be looking forward to making his World Cup a memorable one.

He is relatively a newcomer to the France national team. But given his excellent form in club competition, Deschamps will most likely field him in the starting eleven to make the most of his raw talent.

ST- Ousmane Dembele

The Ballon d’Or winner and European champion with PSG, Dembele is on the verge of winning his second consecutive UCL. In 22 games this season, he has 17 goal contributions, including 10 goals and 7 assists.

He is technically one of the most intelligent players. His terrifying pace and dribbling allow him to split out wide to the right wing, dragging centre-backs out of position to create massive central gaps for Mbappe.

ST – Kylian Mbappe

The world bowed down to Mbappe’s greatness in the final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when he almost destroyed Messi and Argentina’s title hopes with a hat-trick. He is a high-impact player, and his presence can single-handedly disrupt teams.

Scoring 14 goals in just two World Cups is never easy. But the Golden Boot winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is made for greatness and will be eyeing to turn his silver into gold.

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