Camavinga Dropped, France Relies on Veteran Midfielder

PARIS, THURSDAY - The head coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, made a surprise in the selection of the 26 names for the 2026 World Cup squad. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who has been a regular for the national team, was not included in the squad list. Performance trends were cited as the reason for this decision.

Deschamps has announced the official squad list for "The Blues" on Friday (15/5/2026) in the early hours of WIB. In the midfield, the coach has called up only five players. They are two veteran midfielders, N’golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot, as well as talented players Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone, and Warren Zaire-Emery.

There is no mention of Camavinga, the player who helped lead France to the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. In fact, the 23-year-old midfielder has been one of Deschamps' mainstays in recent years. "He has reason to be angry with me, I understand that," said Deschamps regarding his decision.

Certainly, it is due to the (less favorable) season and several injuries as well. The competition within the squad is also very, very tight. Certainly, he is one of the most regrettable cases.

Not without reason, Deschamps excluded the anchoring midfielder. Camavinga has not played regularly at the club level this season due to a series of injuries. Likewise, for France, he has only started once in the European World Cup qualifiers, which was against Iceland in October 2025.

"Certainly due to the season (not being favorable) and some injuries as well. The competition within the squad is also very, very tight. Of course, he is one of the most regrettable cases. I have never questioned his talent and what he can do, but he has only played a little with us last March," the coach continued.

Deschamps places greater trust in experienced figures. Kante and Rabiot are the midfield duo that led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Kante, who is now 35 years old, will return to the World Cup after not appearing in the previous edition.

France typically employs a formation with three midfielders. However, Deschamps only utilized two holding midfielders. One additional player operates as an attacking midfielder. The players who will appear in that position, such as Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise, fall into the category of forwards.

For the coach, five players are sufficient to fill two spots as anchors. So few options are needed that Zaire-Emery has even been included in the squad to cover the right wing-back position. Zaire-Emery is quite adept at performing the wing-back role at his club, Paris Saint-Germain.

In addition, Deschamps has also set aside many other spots to accommodate the great talents of French forwards. Nine forwards have been called up, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue. Mbappe remains in the squad despite concerns over injury issues.

"This is a special emotion. I am handling it well because the French team is above all. All my energy, our energy, is devoted to the upcoming competition. There are important decisions to be made to put us in the best condition," said Deschamps regarding the squad selection.

The coach who led France to consecutive finals places great importance on performance trends. This is also the reason why PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was not called up. His name has been replaced by 21-year-old RC Lens goalkeeper, Robin Risser, who has yet to make his debut for the senior national team.

Chevalier has lost his primary position at the club level due to competition with Matvei Safonov. The backup to the main goalkeeper of France, Mike Maignan, has not played again since the end of January. Deschamps has opted for Risser, who has appeared 33 times out of a total of 34 matches in Ligue 1 this season.

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has the opportunity to make his debut in the World Cup. His name was included following the absence of Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, who is suffering from a long-term injury. Mateta has only represented "The Blues" since being called up during the international break in October 2025.

"This is a childhood dream, and I don't know how to explain it, it feels so strong, so powerful. When I was injured, the only thing I was worried about was getting back on the pitch. When I knew my return date, in my mind, I was ready," Mateta told L'Equippe. (AP/REUTERS)

France's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.

Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.

Forward players: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.