Zinédine Zidane announces first squad list with Mbappé

Zinédine Zidane, the new head coach of the French national team, unveiled his first squad list on Friday, September 18, at the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF). Published on: 09/18/2026 - 18:06, modified on: 09/18/2026 - 18:52.

Following the official announcement of his staff earlier in the week, Zidane emphasized that now the serious business begins for the former number 10 and captain of the team, whose choices were highly anticipated after the 14-year tenure of Didier Deschamps. Kylian Mbappé was confirmed as the captain of the national team, maintaining his role from Deschamps' era, where he became France's all-time top scorer with 66 goals in 106 appearances.

Two months after a disappointing elimination in the semi-finals of the World Cup that ended Deschamps' long reign, Zidane's immediate task will be to adequately prepare his squad for the UEFA Nations League, with four matches scheduled against Turkey and Belgium on September 25 and 28, and against Italy and Belgium again on October 2 and 5 at the Stade de France.

"We have four matches ahead; I could have selected 22 or 23 outfield players, but I chose 20, and I think it's going to be fine," Zidane stated, reaffirming his choice of Mbappé as captain. Zidane's squad includes several first-time call-ups such as goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, defenders Andy Diouf and Jérémy Jacquet, midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, and forward Estéban Lepaul.

Guillaume Restes' promotion as the second-choice goalkeeper meant Brice Samba was excluded. The Hernandez brothers (Lucas and Théo), left-back Lucas Digne, and right-back Malo Gusto were also left out. Defender William Saliba was absent due to injury. The attacking trio comprising Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise was retained.

Zidane stated, "This gathering is good with 15 days together. We will play every three days, so everyone will be involved. This is the most important. My view of football, you will see it. I am driven by the game; we will always maintain team balance. Everyone has to be involved, but I want to see this team play. We have the players to make it happen."

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens). Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich). Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Côme), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG). Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).