World Cup 2026

Camavinga left out of France’s World Cup squad as Deschamps ends the suspense

Deschamps left the Real Madrid midfielder out of his 26-man squad, confirming a season to forget. “He’s coming off a difficult season”.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Sergio López Andy Hall

Madrid. Update: May 14th, 2026 16:18 EDT

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Eduardo Camavinga is officially out of France’s World Cup squad — the final chapter in a saga that had been building for months.

The writing was already on the wall during the last international break, when he was the only outfield player who didn’t start either of the team’s friendlies against Brazil and Croatia. Didier Deschamps was sending a message, and now it’s reality: Camavinga won’t be with Les Bleus this summer.

Official announcement on Thursday evening

The announcement came just minutes before Real Madrid’s match against Real Oviedo, though players had already been informed earlier through a pre‑recorded video. So while the news hit fans hard, it didn’t catch Camavinga by surprise.

Deschamps selected Aurélien Tchouaméni and N’Golo Kanté as holding midfielders, with Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaïre‑Emery and Youssouf Fofana (Koné in the original text) filling the interior roles. Five midfielders — and Camavinga wasn’t one of them.

France World Cup 2026 squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), L. Hernández (PSG), T. Hernández (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Deschamps: “He’s had a difficult season”

After revealing his 26‑man squad, Deschamps addressed the decision: “He’s coming off a difficult season in which he played little and dealt with injuries. I can imagine his huge disappointment tonight… But he’s still young, and I have to make tough choices across defense, midfield, and attack.”

It’s a blunt verdict on a season Camavinga will want to forget — one marked by injuries, inconsistency, and a struggle to earn minutes at Real Madrid.

Not a shock — Camavinga knew he was on the edge

Inside the French camp, it was no secret: Camavinga was living on the razor’s edge of the squad list. His inclusion was always going to be a photo‑finish, and the lack of momentum in recent months sealed his fate.

For now, the 21‑year‑old will have to watch the World Cup from home and focus on rebuilding his form and confidence ahead of next season.