Mateta In, Camavinga Out As France Name 2026 World Cup Squad
Didier Deschamps included Mateta in France’s 2026 World Cup squad while leaving out Camavinga and Chevalier due to injuries and insufficient playing time.
France coach Didier Deschamps has excluded Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Chevalier from his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over fitness and limited playing time.
Camavinga, a participant in France’s journey to the 2022 World Cup final, was omitted following a season plagued by injuries at Real Madrid. Deschamps stated that the midfielder “had a difficult season” and acknowledged that the decision would be a significant disappointment for the 23-year-old.
Chevalier was also overlooked after losing his starting position at Paris Saint-Germain and not having played since January.
Deschamps awarded a first World Cup call-up to Robin Risser after the goalkeeper’s impressive season with Lens.
France, in pursuit of a third World Cup title, will compete against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the group stage. The team features prominent attacking talents. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué.
The tournament will mark Deschamps’ last appearance as France coach prior to an anticipated transition to Zinedine Zidane.
