Camavinga is left out of Deschamps’ list for the 2026 World Cup By Carolina Costa
4 min read
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Didier Deschamps announced this Thursday the list of 26 França squad for Mundial 2026. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is not among those selected. The decision marks the end of the player’s presence in a major tournament with the national team since 2021.
Camavinga recently turned 23 years old. Ele had a difficult season at the Spanish club, with few minutes on the field and physical problems. Deschamps justified the choice by highlighting the low number of games and recent injuries. The coach is still in his last cycle leading the world champion team in 2018.
Lista revealed on TF1 news
The announcement took place during the TF1 news program, with a video inspired by American series from the 90s. Deschamps opted for nine attackers and five midfielders. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Kylian Mbappé, both from Real Madrid, secured a place. Jules Koundé, from Barcelona, also appears in the list.
The call-up includes new players such as goalkeeper Robin Risser, from Lens, and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, from Crystal Palace. Maxence Lacroix, defender of Crystal Palace, was the last name confirmed. Outros important cuts involve Randal Kolo Muani and, more surprisingly for some of the French press, Camavinga.
- Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Robin Risser are the goalkeepers
- Defesas: Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix and Dayot Upamecano
- Meio-campers: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Warren Zaïre-Emery
- Atacantes: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Marcus Thuram, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta
The official list totals exactly 26 names. Deschamps prioritized balance between experience and youth.
Temporada below expectations weighs on the decision
Camavinga played fewer matches than usual on Real Madrid. Lesões messed up his streak. Ele also lost space in Carlo Ancelotti’s rotation. In the last selection period, in March, the player was on the bench against Brasil and Colômbia.
Sua’s last great performance with França came in the 2022 Mundial final, when he came on as a left back and helped the team seek a draw against Argentina. Desde then, its importance decreased. Na Euro 2024 he played little. Versatility was not enough to guarantee a place now.
Deschamps recognized the athlete’s disappointment. “I can imagine your huge disappointment tonight,” said the coach. Ele remembered that Camavinga is still young and will have other opportunities. The focus now is to build a competitive team for the competition that will be played in Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
Impacto on Real Madrid and club planning
The absence frees Camavinga for preseason with Real Madrid. The Spanish club faces a busy calendar, with La Liga, Champions League and other competitions. Sem or Mundial, the midfielder can regain physical rhythm and fight for position in the starting team.
Tchouaméni, on the other hand, travels with the team. Mbappé too. Their presence reinforces the link between Real Madrid and França. Camavinga will have time to work on technical and physical aspects that remained pending this season.
Histórico’s recent França in tournaments
The French team arrives at Mundial as one of the favorites. Vice-champion in 2022, she is looking for her third title in history. Deschamps has led the group since 2012 and will make his last appearance in Mundo’s Copa. The team has established names in midfield and an attack full of options.
Camavinga debuted for the main team in 2020. Ele has played dozens of games and contributed in decisive moments. Sua’s exclusion surprised some fans, but it reflects the high competition in the position. Jogadores like Kanté, still at a high level, and young rising stars like Zaïre-Emery filled the spots.
Mundial 2026 starts in June. França is in pot 1 of the draw and should have an accessible group. Sem Camavinga, the coach is betting on other solutions for the midfield. Real Madrid closely monitors the preparation of its selected players.
Próximos steps to the player
Camavinga must re-introduce himself to Real Madrid after the end of the season. The club plans internal conversations about its future. The 2025/2026 season served as a warning. Recuperar confidence and minutes on the field will be a priority.
Aos 23 years old, the midfielder still has plenty of time to return to the national team. Outros cycles will come. For now, the focus is on the club. Madrid fans hope that Mundial’s absence will be the turning point for a more consistent return.
