Change is not happening now. Didier Deschamps unveiled a list of 26 players without any real surprises, on Thursday at the headquarters of the French Football Federation, to play the two friendly matches at the end of March. The French team will travel to the United States to face Brazil on the 26th in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and then Colombia on the 29th in Landover, Maryland. This gathering is the last before the North American World Cup (June 11 – July 19).
Despite a decrease in playing time with Paris Saint-Germain, Lucas Chevalier has kept his place in the squad. “I don’t forget that in the fall, he was supposed to challenge Mike Maignan. That was only four months ago. This situation is not ideal, I have talked with him. He is in the role of number 3. It is important for me humanly, he has not lost his value,” justified the coach, without mincing words.
Robin Risser, having had a very good season in the Lens goal, has been called up for the U21s and will have to wait a little longer before receiving his first call-up for the senior team.
Kolo Muani’s versatility works in his favor
To make up for Jules Koundé’s absence, the Turin full-back Pierre Kalulu has been chosen. In attack, Randal Kolo Muani, who has not played with the French team since June 2025, benefits from Bradley Barcola’s absence to be present despite average performances with Tottenham (5 goals in 33 matches). “Like any player, he can have less good periods, but he has also had injuries. I stick to my logic. Could I have taken other players? Yes. He can also play in multiple positions, that’s to his credit,” specified Didier Deschamps. The coach will also be able to count on Kylian Mbappé, who made his return this week after being injured in his left knee and off the field for nearly a month.
Next list on May 13th
Not everything is set in stone for the World Cup squad, but the time for trials seems to be over. Contenders like Matthieu Udol (Lens) or Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) will likely need injuries to make it onto the moving train. “Statistically, in this list, there will be many changes in May even if we shouldn’t draw too many hasty conclusions. In two months, a lot can happen, hopefully not negative things,” acknowledged ‘DD’.
