Camavinga IN, Pogba & Kante OUT: What is France’s World Cup squad?

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

France have announced their 25-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, with a number of big stars missing out on the finals due to injury.

Les Bleus still boast a star-studded squad, which is led by world-class attackers Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.

France’s forward line is the envy of every nation as coach Didier Deschamps also called up Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Christopher Nkunku.

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France also have an embarrassment of riches in defence, with Raphael Varane, Theo Hernandez and Ferland Mendy among those called. Captain Hugo Lloris will play in his last World Cup as goalkeeper. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan misses out due to injury.

It is in midfield where France have been significantly weakened. Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante have both not been called due to injury. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni will now take on more responsibility as a result. His Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga was also included, despite late rumours he would be snubbed, as was Marseille's Jordan Veretout.

Coach Didier Deschamps only opted to call up 25 players, instead of the permitted 26.

France are the reigning World Cup champions, having claimed their second Mundial four years ago in Russia. They beat Croatia 4-2 in the final.

France kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia on November 22, with Denmark and Tunisia the other sides in Group D.

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France’s full 25-man squad for the 2022 World Cup