France World Cup squad CONFIRMED: Didier Deschamps names star-studded 26-man party for US tournament – with SEVEN Premier League stars included

Seven Premier League stars have been named in France’s World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Didier Deschamps’ side will hope to go one better than four years ago, when, as reigning champions, they lost on penalties to Argentina in the final. 

And the French boss has named an extremely strong squad with a formidable array of attacking talent.

Top flight stars Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba and Rayan Cherki have all been called up, but the standout news from a Premier League perspective is that Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix are also included.

Lacroix, 26, earned his maiden international call-up in March and played twice, while Mateta made his international debut in October. 

His hopes of being part of France’s squad for the tournament looked to be in doubt when his winter move to AC Milan collapsed after he failed a medical, but the striker has returned to fitness and form over recent weeks – and he was preferred to Randal Kolo Muani in Deschamps’ 26-man list. 

Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta (left) and Maxence Lacroix (right) were selected

The Tottenham striker had been a late addition to France’s previous World Cup squad four years ago, where he scored a goal against Morocco in the semi-final and came close to becoming a national hero in the final before Emi Martinez thwarted him in dramatic fashion in the dying moments of extra-time. 

France’s incredible array of attacking options also includes Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, rising star Desire Doue, former Palace forward Michael Olise, Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche. 

Among those missing out on the squad are Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who lost his starting spot to Matvey Safonov at the club and has not played since the end of January.

‘The main criteria is sporting performance,’ Deschamps said. ‘I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn’t played for several months anymore. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn’t get any.’

On Camavinga, he added: ‘He’s coming off a tough season, during which he didn’t play as much and dealt with injuries. He’s still young. I have decisions to make and a list to finalise. But I can imagine how disappointed he must be tonight.’ 

Lens winger Florian Thauvin may also feel frustrated, having been one of the five players nominated for Ligue 1’s player of the season, yet there was a first call-up for goalkeeper Robin Risser following his breakthrough season.

Risser, who plays for Lens, has been a revelation in the French league season and won the award for the best goalkeeper earlier this week. 

He played a big role in making Lens the second-best defence in Ligue 1 and has been selected by Deschamps in a No 3 role behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.

‘I’m full of pride, it’s something incredible,’ Risser told broadcaster TF1. ‘I can’t find the words. It’s just extraordinary. It was one of my dreams.’

France, who also named N’Golo Kante in their squad, are looking for a third World Cup triumph and are among the favorites for the tournament, which takes place from June 11 to July 19. 

They have been drawn in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway.

It will be Deschamps’ final tournament in charge after he announced this year that he will leave his role after the World Cup, ending a successful reign which began in 2012.

‘It’s a special feeling. I did many things today for the last time,’ he said. ‘The most important thing is today and tomorrow. We are focused on the World Cup.’

Former France great Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over, although he has not coached since ending his second spell in charge of Real Madrid in 2021.