Defending champions France announced their 25-man squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup 2022.
The winner of the Russia World Cup 2018, France arrives in Qatar as one of the favourites. They will aim to become the only third nation in the history of the World Cup to retain the title.
However, things will not be so easy. France have been drawn into Group D along with Australia, Tunisia and Denmark.
Didier Deschamps’ side will start the tournament on November 23 against Australia. After this, France will face Denmark in their next match on 26th November. Interestingly Deschamps’s team lost against Denmark in their last two outings at the Nations League. France will then take one Tunisia in their final Group D game.
Midfield Issue for the Defending Champions
Defending champions France will surely miss two of their starlets of the last World cup, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United at the start of the season. However unfortunately the midfielder suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined. The Juventus midfielder was instrumental in France’s World Cup-winning campaign.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante was the engine for the French side in the Russia World Cup 2018. Kante has missed a lot of games since last season. The midfielder had a relapse while having rehab. Due to this, he will not be able to be a part of the French team.
Meanwhile, France’s forward line however is now stronger than ever. Real Madrid forward and widely regarded as one of the best players in the world Karim Benzema will lead the forward line. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Christopher Nkunku, and Kingsley will add more firepower.
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has been named in the squad. Two more players will be cut off from this 25-man squad before the start of the World Cup.
Full Squad: France World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
