France Squad for World Cup Qualifiers: Find Out Who’s in and Who’s Missing?

The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is underway, and as always, France’s squad announcement has stirred a mix of excitement and debate. Didier Deschamps revealed his list this week, and while many of the names were entirely predictable, there are still a couple of choices that have fans talking. That’s nothing new for Les Bleus; a team with so much depth that every squad selection feels like someone important is bound to miss out. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni were included without surprise. These players form the backbone of Deschamps’ system and, barring injury, they’ll be central in the qualifiers. What stood out, however, was the mix of a fresh face and an unexpected omission.

Akliouche Called Up to France National Squad, Ekitike Misses Out

Maghnes Akliouche’s inclusion is being read less as a surprise and more as a long-awaited nod. The Monaco midfielder Akliouche has been on Deschamps’ radar for a while now, and this feels like the moment where promise meets opportunity. His sharp feet, quick decisions in tight spaces, and flexibility across midfield roles have all stood out in Ligue 1. More importantly, he’s shown the sort of consistency that often tips the balance in these squad debates. For Monaco, it’s another reminder of their knack for developing French talent. For Akliouche himself, it’s not just recognition; it’s a chance to prove he belongs in the mix beyond a one-off call-up.

Then there’s the other side of the story: Hugo Ekitike. At 22, freshly moved from PSG to Liverpool, he couldn’t have asked for a better start in England. On paper, that should have been enough to at least get him in the squad. Yet Deschamps has left him out. Maybe it’s about giving him time to settle at his new club, or maybe it’s simply that the coach doesn’t want to overload an already crowded attacking group. Either way, leaving out a young striker in that kind of form is bound to stir debate, especially among fans who see Ekitike as one of the most exciting forward prospects France has right now.

How does the France Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Look Like?

Even with the new names making headlines, Deschamps hasn’t moved away from the core of his team. Kylian Mbappé will still carry the captain’s weight and lead the front line, helped by Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise on the flanks. In the middle, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni give the side energy and control, while Mike Maignan keeps his place between the posts. The good news for French supporters is the return of William Saliba. The Arsenal defender, who sat out the Nations League through injury, looks fit again and slots back into the defence. At the same time, the coach has made a few eyebrow-raising calls.

Benjamin Pavard, once one of his most trusted options, isn’t in this squad; a sign that his role going forward may be shrinking. And Randal Kolo Muani, remembered for his part in the 2022 World Cup final, also misses out. Deschamps seems to be leaning on form rather than past reputation when it comes to his attacking choices. It’s another reminder of how ruthless the fight for places is in this French setup. With qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland around the corner, the coach has gone for a group that mixes reliable leaders with players who still have something to prove.