One of the most familiar faces of the modern France national team will not be part of the journey in North America, as Antoine Griezmann watches from afar. France enters the 2026 World Cup among the leading contenders to lift the trophy, boasting extraordinary depth, world-class talent, and one of the most experienced squads in international soccer. However, one of the most familiar faces of the modern France national team will not be part of the journey in North America, as Antoine Griezmann watches from afar. With Kylian Mbappe leading the attack, Didier Deschamps preparing for his final tournament as head coach, and France chasing a third World Cup final appearance in a row, attention has also turned toward the notable absence of Griezmann. The former Atletico Madrid star played a pivotal role in some of the greatest moments in recent French soccer history, making his absence one of the tournament’s most discussed storylines. Les Blues head into the World Cup with enormous expectations after reaching four finals in the last seven major tournaments and winning the 2018 World Cup. The national team remains packed with elite talent, including Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Marcus Thuram. Deschamps has assembled a squad that combines proven winners with emerging stars. The coach, who has guided France since 2012, will step down after the tournament, making this competition his final opportunity to add another major trophy to an already remarkable legacy. Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates. The French squad was drawn into a challenging Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. While France remains the favorite to top the group, the presence of Senegal and Norway means there is little room for complacency. The missing piece in France’s squad As fans examined the final squad list, one name immediately stood out by its absence. Antoine Griezmann, who had become one of the defining figures of the Deschamps era, was nowhere to be found. The forward was instrumental in the nation’s 2018 World Cup triumph and remained a central figure throughout the run to the 2022 World Cup final. For many supporters, seeing France at a major tournament without Griezmann feels unusual. For more than a decade, he was one of the team’s most reliable performers, combining creativity, goals, leadership, and a relentless work ethic. Why Antoine Griezmann is missing the 2026 World Cup The reason behind Griezmann’s absence is ultimately straightforward, though it marks the end of an important chapter for French soccer. Griezmann officially retired from international soccer on September 30, 2024, bringing an end to his 10-year career with France. The decision came after Euro 2024 and concluded a remarkable international journey that saw him earn 137 caps, become one of France’s leading scorers, and help the national team win the World Cup and the UEFA Nations League. The veteran forward released a heartfelt statement announcing his departure from international soccer, choosing to pass the baton to a younger generation of players. His retirement meant there was no possibility of his being selected for the 2026 World Cup squad, regardless of his club form. Antoine Griezmann of France kisses the World Cup trophy. Young stars reshaping France Griezmann’s departure coincided with a broader transition inside the France setup. Following Euro 2024, Deschamps began placing greater trust in younger creative players. Talents such as Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue, and Maghnes Akliouche increasingly became part of the national team’s future plans. The squad remains incredibly talented, but the balance has shifted toward a younger generation. While veterans such as N’Golo Kante and several experienced defenders remain involved, the attacking structure is now largely built around Mbappe and a new wave of creative stars. Antoine Griezmann of France looks on as he sits on the s
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.
