Kylian Mbappe And Ousmane Dembele remain central to France’s plans as Didier Deschamps begins to shape his vision for the United States World Cup 2026. With the French national team heading into another global tournament as one of the leading favorites, speculation is already brewing over what the attacking unit will look like and who will fulfill Les Bleus’ ambitions in North America.
Deschamps, whose leadership has defined an era of sustained excellence, is said to have taken a decisive step forward along the way early on. While details are being closely watched, it is believed that seven of the eight attacking slots for the World Cup squad are already all but secured, a sign that the French national team will enter the next cycle with a clear structure and hierarchy.
With Mbappe set to lead the attack and Dembele providing elite creativity, the question now is which players will form the supporting cast in what could be one of the most stacked attacking groups in the tournament.
France’s status as a global superpower is undisputed. The national team won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018 and reached the finals in both 2006 and 2022setting a record that few countries can match. Under Deschamps, Les Bleus have reached consecutive World Cup finals and have consistently remained among the top players in the world. On the way to 2026, the Blues are ranked third in the FIFA rankingsonly behind Argentina and Spain.
They qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their UEFA group with a dominant record, highlighting their depth and consistency within the squad. Mbappe is expected to take center stage again. The Real Madrid forward has scored 55 goals in 94 international appearances, including 12 at World Cupsand remains one of the defining players of his generation. Now a major creative force, Dembele continues to provide the national team with explosive pace and technical brilliance.
The seven guaranteed attackers
France is involved Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner from Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname. The matches will be played across the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, Foxborough and Toronto.
Norway poses a significant threat, led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, while 2025 AFCON winners Senegal bring physicality and historic rivalry. The group stage will test France early, but the limited travel requirements could provide a logistical advantage.
France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates with teammate Ousmane Dembele
Halfway through the preparations, reports have surfaced about Deschamps’ attack plans. According to The team, seven forwards are already considered guaranteed selection for the 2026 World Cup squad. Those players are:
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- Desire Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
- Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint Germain)
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
“Deschamps is expected to bring eight attackers, and seven have already been confirmed,” says the report, which highlights how well established the attacking core group is.
The final front spot will reportedly be contested by a host of talent, including Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani, Florian Thauvin, Maghnes Akliouche, Kingsley Coman, Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Philippe Mateta. – a testament to France’s extraordinary depth in its attack.
Generation of elite attackers across Europe
France’s attacking power is based on players who do well at elite clubs. Mbappé leads Real Madrid, Dembélé remains a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Olise is on the rise at Bayern Munich and Cherki is developing at Manchester City. Barcola and Doue continue to grow within PSG’s system, while Ekitike is making his way at Liverpool.
Statistically, the core attackers produce elite output. Mbappe has 51 goals and assists this season, Olise 41, Ekitike 20 and Cherki 19illustrating the enormous firepower that Deschamps had at his disposal.
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