League: Ligue 1 Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Scores & Results

France builds deep World Cup squad featuring elite players from multiple clubs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 5:00 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

France builds deep World Cup squad featuring elite players from multiple clubs

Summary

France arrives at the World Cup as a favorite with a strong squad under head coach Didier Deschamps. The team features a formidable starting XI, including Mike Maignan in goal and elite defenders like Jules Kounde and William Saliba. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouaméni could partner with the emerging talent Warren Zaïre-Emery. The potent front line boasts Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, among others, capable of challenging any opponent. France is expected to adapt formations and strategies based on rival teams as they progress in the tournament.

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By the Numbers

•France's World Cup squad is regarded as one of the deepest.
•Didier Deschamps trusts a mix of experienced and young talents.
•Maignan leads in goal with an elite defense behind him.
•Tchouaméni and Zaïre-Emery are key midfield choices.
•Mbappe remains a standout forward in the lineup.

Latest Updates

5:00 PMYahoo Sports — France’s best World Cup XI is stacked from front to back and that should scare everyone

What they're saying

"
France arrive at the World Cup as one of the obvious favorites, and it is not difficult to see why when you start building their strongest XI. Didier Deschamps may have the deepest squad in the tournament, especially in attack, where France can leave elite forwards on the bench and still name a front four that looks unfair on paper.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 Soccer