France head coach Didier Deschamps has pulled off a surprise with his final squad before the World Cup by leaving versatile Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga out of his final 26-man squad.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Antoine Griezmann and Randal Kolo Muani have also been omitted from the squad, despite having made key contributions at the last World Cup. However, neither has been in great form this season.
Camavinga has not had a great season at club level
Although the decision is a surprise, on form, it may be a logical decision by Les Bleus boss, as the midfielder has endured a poor club campaign, in what has been a disappointing all-around season.
The 23-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot for the capital club. Although 42 appearances in all competitions this season, he has only made 21 starts for Los Blancos.
In terms of form, when he has featured for Real Madrid this season, he has endured mixed performances and has struggled for any real consistency amid a campaign affected by injuries.
A wealth of options in midfield
Deschamps can afford to leave the Real Madrid star out of his 26-man squad, as he has such a wealth of options in the middle of the park. Camavinga’s Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni has enjoyed a slightly more consistent campaign at club level, for instance.
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Deschamps also has the experience of veteran former Chelsea and Leicester World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté, the talented and versatile PSG youngster Warren Zaire-Emery, and the likes of Serie A stars Roma’s Manu Kone and Milan’s Adrien Rabiot.
France are one of the favourites to lift the trophy at World Cup 2026
Les Bleus are one of the favourites to win the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. A strong, talented squad and an experienced head coach with massive tournament experience will certainly help their chances of success.
France finished as runners-up to Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, in what is regarded as one of the most dramatic tournament finals of all time. There are big expectations of Deschamps and his squad to go one step further this summer and become world champions for just the third time in history.