FIFA World Cup: French squad revealed: Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema among big stars in the squad
Coach Didier Deschamps has named his final 25-man team as the French prepare for their championship defense in Qatar. As expected, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Antoinne Griezmann are among the squad's most notable players
Karim Benzema-Kylian Mbappe big stars for French SquadFrance is the defending champions of the 2022 World Cup, and Didier Deschamps hopes his team will become the third nation to win consecutive championships after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1962 and 1964). (1958, 1962).
Deschamps has stated that Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, and Karim Benzema will be fit to start the World Cup despite recent injuries, as Les Bleus defend their title with a provisional roster of 25 players.
This will be their sixteenth appearance in the World Cup, a tournament they have won twice (1998, 2018). They must first defeat Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia in Group D to advance to the knockout stage.
The 25-man French World Cup side
The reigning Ballon d'Or champion, Karim Benzema, was in the best form of his career until an injury to his quadriceps in early September held him back.
Last season, his career-high 27 goals in La Liga guided Real Madrid to another league championship. His performance in the Champions League (competition-best 15 goals) was key to his team's triumph.
While Kylian Mbappe has already achieved World Cup stardom by winning the tournament's Best Young Player award in 2018, he will continue his career as a present and future star.
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku.
Paul Pogba did everything he could to get well in time for the World Cup after suffering a meniscus tear, but he will not be able to play due to an injury to his thigh.
Deschamps now has to play without his two best midfielders after N'Golo Kante was also ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Real Madrid youngsters Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will start in a double pivot, though Deschamps may choose to start with a more seasoned player in Camavinga's place.
Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout, Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana
Raphael Varane has been chosen after sustaining a leg injury last month for Manchester United. Varane's recovery is progressing well, and he could be fit for the season opener against Australia.
Varane is the only player for whom Deschamps has made an exemption to his prior rule that all players travelling to a big tournament must play for their clubs in the lead-up to the event.
William Saliba, Jules Kounde, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, and Dayot Upamecano are in fierce competition for the other centre-back place after Deschamps confirmed a back-four formation.
If he does not start in the center, Kounde will cover the defensive flanks if Benjamin Pavard and Theo Hernandez begin on the wings.
Defenders: Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe.
Hugo Lloris, a Tottenham veteran, will captain the team after overcoming a late fitness concern.
Behind him, AC Milan's Mike Maignan will miss out due to his inability to fully overcome recent health issues.
Therefore, Alphonse Areola and Steve Mandanda complete France's goalkeeping roster.