France coach Didier Deschamps will unveil his squad list on Thursday at 2 p.m. for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States on March 26 and 29 in Boston and Washington. Kylian Mbappé is set to be included in the expanded group of 25 or 26 players despite recent uncertainties. The announcement precedes preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Didier Deschamps will hold his final pre-list press conference at the French Football Federation headquarters on Thursday at 2 p.m. to announce the squad for the US tour. Les Bleus will face Brazil on March 26 in Boston and Colombia on March 29 in Washington, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup (June 11 to July 19). The group is expected to include 25 or 26 players due to travel distance and tight scheduling, akin to World Cup squads. Kylian Mbappé, France captain, is confirmed after returning to action Tuesday against Manchester City for Real Madrid. His form will be tested Sunday versus Atlético de Madrid. In attack, he joins regulars like Dembélé, Olise, Doué, Ekitike, and Cherki. Bradley Barcola's absence (ankle injury, one-month out) may benefit Akliouche, Thauvin, Nkunku, or Coman. Marcus Thuram (35 games, 12 goals for Inter Milan, last goal February 8) and Randal Kolo Muani (33 games, 5 goals for Tottenham) face questions, with Hugo Ekitike adding stiff competition. Midfield features stalwarts Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Kanté, Koné, plus Camavinga and Zaïre-Emery, who can cover right-back. Corentin Tolisso hopes for a recall, his last cap dating to June 23, 2021. In defense, Jules Koundé's absence opens a spot possibly for Pierre Kalulu, while Gusto, Saliba, Upamecano, Konaté, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, and Digne are likely. At goalkeeper, Mike Maignan holds the top spot, but Lucas Chevalier, benched at PSG since January 23 and overtaken by Matvei Safonov, draws attention. Deschamps may extend support as he has for other struggling players previously. Brice Samba is expected, with Jean Buttez and Robin Risser under observation.
