France begin their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with games against Ukraine and Iceland in September.
Didier Deschamps' side are in a four-team group with their forthcoming opponents and Azerbaijan.
The top team in UEFA Group D will qualify for next year's finals in North America automatically, while the runners-up will enter the playoff round.
A game against Ukraine in their temporary home of Wroclaw, Poland is up first for Les Bleus on September 5 before they host Iceland at the Parc des Princes four days later.
Two-time winners France reached the final of the 2022 World Cup and lost on penalties to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick.
France squad for September World Cup qualifiers vs. Ukraine, Iceland
Deschamps named a 22-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland.
There are four representatives from European champions Paris Saint-Germain, with new signing Lucas Chevalier set to contest goalkeeping duties with Mike Maignan.
Elsewhere in the PSG contingent are defender Lucas Hernandez and attacking stars Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Hernandez's brother Theo Hernandez retained his spot despite the full-back joining Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal from AC Milan in July.
William Saliba had to withdraw from the squad after suffering an ankle injury. Benjamin Pavard replaced him. Hugo Ekitike was called up to replace Rayan Cherki, who tore a thigh muscle.
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*Caps correct as of August 27, 2025
Pos | Name | Club | Caps |
GK | Lucas Chevalier | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | 0 |
GK | Mike Maignan | AC Milan (ITA) | 32 |
GK | Brice Samba | Rennes (FRA) | 3 |
DEF | Lucas Digne | Aston Villa (ENG) | 52 |
DEF | Malo Gusto | Chelsea (ENG) | 3 |
DEF | Lucas Hernandez | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | 39 |
DEF | Theo Hernandez | Al Hilal (KSA) | 38 |
DEF | Ibrahima Konate | Liverpool (ENG) | 23 |
DEF | Jules Kounde | Barcelona (ESP) | 42 |
DEF | Benjamin Pavard | Inter Milan (ITA) | 55 |
DEF | Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich (GER) | 30 |
MID | Manu Kone | Roma (ITA) | 8 |
MID | Adrien Rabiot | Marseille (FRA) | 53 |
MID | Aurelien Tchouameni | Real Madrid (ESP) | 41 |
MID | Khephren Thuram | Juventus (ITA) | 1 |
FWD | Hugo Ekitike | Liverpool (ENG) | 0 |
FWD | Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco (FRA) | 0 |
FWD | Bradley Barcola | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | 14 |
FWD | Ousmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | 56 |
FWD | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid (ESP) | 90 |
FWD | Michael Olise | Bayern Munich (GER) | 8 |
FWD | Marcus Thuram | Inter Milan (ITA) | 30 |
Is Hugo Ekitike in the France squad?
Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed a superb start to life in England since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt, but Deschamps was initially unable to find a place for a man who also has five goals in as many outings for France Under-21s.
It's perhaps understandable, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram in a stacked attacking roster. Randal Kolo Muani, who is still trying to secure an exit from PSG after spending the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, also missed out.
However, Ekitike was eventually called up as a result of Rayan Cherki's quadriceps injury.
Does Maghnes Akliouche play for France?
Highly rated Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche has been called up by France for the first time.
The 23-year-old, a reported transfer target for Tottenham, has played 12 times for France at Under-21 level and also represented Les Bleus at the 2024 Olympic Games under Thierry Henry. However, he is also eligible to play for Algeria.
"Maghnes is more of a wide player. He had a good season with Monaco; he can still improve his efficiency, but he does interesting things," Deschamps said at a Wednesday press conference.