⚽ World Cup news: kick-off 3pm EST/8pm BST/5am AEST⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Email Daniel“On paper,” writes Gary Stover, “France look better to me than PSG.”I know what you mean – Mbappé is a very nice to have – but I think I prefer the blend with Kvaratskhelia, and definitely don’t think Mbappé adds enough for me to sacrifice Neves and Vitinha. If it clicks, though, everyone is in trouble. Continue reading...
Alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, another familiar name continues to surface: Raphael Varane, whose absence from the squad has once again sparked conversation before the competition even begins. France heads into the 2026 World Cup with enormous expectations after reaching the final in two of the last three editions. Under Didier Deschamps, who will leave his position after the tournament, Les Bleus once again possess one of the deepest and most talented squads in international soccer. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, another familiar name continues to surface: Raphael Varane, whose absence from the squad has once again sparked conversation before the competition even begins. The French national team completed its preparations with a 3-1 friendly victory over Northern Ireland, reinforcing confidence ahead of a difficult Group I campaign against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. With Kylian Mbappe captaining the side and an attack overflowing with creativity, France is widely considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Deschamps has assembled a squad packed with elite-level talent across every position. Real Madrid superstar Mbappe remains the face of the national team, while Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele enters the tournament in sensational form after another outstanding campaign. The tactical evolution of the French side has also become one of the major talking points before the World Cup. Following criticism after Euro 2024, Deschamps shifted toward a more fluid 4-2-3-1 system, allowing creative players greater freedom in advanced areas while maintaining defensive balance. James Rodríguez of Colombia is challenged by Maxence Lacroix of France. Les Bleus’ defensive solidity has remained impressive as well. The side conceded only four goals during qualifying, showcasing the balance between attacking brilliance and tactical discipline that has defined Deschamps’ tenure. The reason for Raphael Varane’s absence While France’s current squad is filled with emerging stars, many supporters have continued asking the same question ahead of the World Cup: why is Raphael Varane missing? The answer traces back several years before the tournament itself. Varane initially stepped away from international soccer in February 2023, shortly after France’s heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. The defender explained that the physical and mental demands of elite soccer had played a significant role in his decision. At the time, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender had already accumulated 93 appearances for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders in the nation’s history. Varane hoped for fresh start in Italy, but everything changed almost instantly Although Varane retired from international soccer first, he continued playing at club level until the summer of 2024. After leaving Manchester United, he signed for Serie A side Como in what many believed would be a fresh chapter in his career. However, disaster struck almost immediately. Just minutes into his competitive debut for Como, Varane suffered a serious knee injury that ultimately changed the course of his future. The injury ultimately convinced the defender to retire completely from professional soccer in September 2024 at only 31 years old. Reports later confirmed that he transitioned into a non-playing role within Como following his retirement. Raphael Varane of France looks on Huge legacy behind Varane’s absence from the 2026 World Cup represents the end of an era for France’s defence. For more than a decade, he formed the backbone of Les Bleus alongside players such as Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba. His composure, positioning, and leadership played a major role in France’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also helped the national team reach another final in Qatar four years later, narrowly missing out on a se
Full preview of France for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. France enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the most talented and complete rosters among all international soccer teams. Currently ranked third globally, the two-time champions carry massive expectations into the summer. This competition marks the final chapter for head coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years of unparalleled stability. Led by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, the squad boasts world-class depth from a formidable defense to a devastating attack. This preview breaks down the tactical approach, key personnel, and qualification journey that will shape the French national team’s chances at the upcoming showpiece. Team profile CoachDidier DeschampsCaptainKylian MbappéNicknameLes BleusFIFA ranking3rdConfederationUEFAGroupGroup IBest World Cup resultChampions (1998, 2018)World Cup appearances16Last World Cup appearance2022 How France play The preferred France formation typically sets up as a balanced 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The system prioritizes defensive solidity while allowing rapid transitions on the counter-attack. Deschamps favors a pragmatic approach, adapting his tactics to exploit opponent weaknesses rather than enforcing a rigid possession style. Despite this adaptability, the team controlled the ball for large stretches during UEFA qualifiers, averaging 68.3% possession. The setup grants attacking freedom to players like Mbappé, who operates centrally or from the left wing to bypass defensive tracking. The midfield relies on the returning N’Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni to shield the backline and initiate quick offensive transitions. Defensively, the roster features elite center-backs like William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté. However, occasional defensive lapses and questions about midfield control remain potential vulnerabilities that elite opponents could target. This tactical balance between a sturdy defensive block and lethal counter-attacking speed will ultimately dictate their success in the tournament. Didier Deschamps: The coach behind France Didier Deschamps is the longest-serving and most successful France coach in the history of the national team. Taking charge in July 2012, he has guided the program to three major finals, including a World Cup title in 2018. His leadership is defined by a pragmatic, winning mentality carried over from his illustrious playing career. As a former holding midfielder, he captained his country to their first championship in 1998. Didier Deschamps, head coach of France (Getty Images). Rather than imposing a strict tactical dogma, Deschamps excels at building a harmonious locker room and adapting to tournament conditions. This summer marks the end of an era, as the 56-year-old is set to step down following the competition. His ability to unite a squad filled with global superstars will be the defining factor in whether he leaves his post with another international trophy. Key player: Kylian Mbappé Mbappé arrives in North America at the peak of his career, carrying the captain’s armband and the burden of avenging a bitter defeat in the 2022 final. The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward is widely considered the most dangerous attacker in international soccer. Operating either centrally or from the left wing, his blistering pace and clinical finishing dictate the team’s entire offensive strategy. He enters the competition with 56 goals in 96 international appearances, sitting just one strike behind the all-time national scoring record. At the club level, Mbappé recently delivered a 42-goal season across 44 matches. His proven big-game mentality, highlighted by a historic hat-trick in the 2022 final, makes him the undisputed focal point of the roster. Without his elite production and ability to break open organized defenses, the French attack would lose its most lethal dimension. France’s road to the 2026 World Cup The French national team
Antonio Rudiger has committed a further 12 months to Real Madrid, and he is determined to help get Los Blancos back to winning ways. The post ‘I am not done here’ – Rudiger signs contract extension with Real Madrid appeared first on SoccerNews.
The Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe says Liverpool re-signing Darwin Nunez "might work" despite sounding "crazy". The Uruguay striker departed for Al-Hilal for £46m last summer but was left out of the Saudi Pro League side's squad for the second half of the season and is reportedly considering terminating his contract with the club. The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to Anfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.
