France's World Cup 2026 Blueprint: Deschamps Bets on a Core for Ukraine
12 November 2025
France vs Ukraine: World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Preview
Didier Deschamps has locked in a core France XI for the visit of Ukraine in the fifth round of European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before kick-off at Parc des Princes, Les Bleus sit top of Group D on 10 points, with Ukraine on 7, Iceland on 4, and Azerbaijan on a single point.
A draw would likely be enough for France to secure a place in the finals, as the current World Cup runner-up and two-time champions chase a return to the global showcase in 2026.
Lineup Hints and Key Players
French daily LEquipe outlined Deschamps plan to lean on Rayan Cherki, the Manchester City forward returning from injury and rejoining the squad after missing the first two camps of the season.
Cherki, who has earned two international caps, could profit from several forward absences including Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, and Kingsley Coman, with Kylian Mbappe leading the attack.
Lequipe also notes that Deschamps intends to lean on veteran midfielder N'Golo Kanté, now with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, who remains a central pillar of his plans and could play a crucial role for the team.
According to the report, Kanté did not travel long hours from Saudi Arabia to sit on the bench at Parc des Princes, suggesting he might be used as a substitute depending on the match demands.
The newspaper published a projected France lineup: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba; Lucas Digne or Theo Hernandez; Kanté, Manu Koné; in midfield, Cherki as playmaker with Olisse on the right and Bradley Barcola on the left, Mbappé as center forward.
France, 57-year-old Deschamps, is also eyeing the end of his long spell with the national team when the 2026 World Cup finishes, as he weighs his future amid ongoing rumors about moves to clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Reports from LEquipe note that the Saudi club interest exists, with Al-Ittihad among the teams connected to the coach, but Deschamps continues to focus on his duties with France and will decide after the 2026 finals.
During a Telefoot interview aired on TF1 around the squad announcement in November, Deschamps hinted at continued contact from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but he emphasized that a decision will come after the World Cup and that nothing is ruled out.
Deschamps has led France since 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc, and has managed 173 games with 111 wins, 32 draws, and 30 defeats, while the team has scored 368 goals and conceded 164.
In terms of silverware, Deschamps has claimed the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League, as well as Euros runner-up in 2016 and the 2022 World Cup runner-up in Qatar, with bronze in the 2025 Nations League in Germany.
Deschamps remains a defining figure for a squad that will aim to navigate the 2026 campaign with efficiency and a touch of flair, keeping fans hopeful that a third World Cup final awaits in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Punchline time: If Deschamps runs this like a chess match, the pawns still know how to score. Punchline two: Kanté’s tackles are so heavy that even rumors take a knee before they hit the ground.
