France Spain All-Time World Cup XI + 5 Players to Watch in 2026
Left-Winger: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé’s 2018 World Cup win for France was a glimpse of a once-in-a-generation talent. At just 19, he had already reached football’s pinnacle- and he was only getting started. In the 2022 final, he scored a hat trick against Argentina, narrowly missing back-to-back World Cups. With blistering speed, elite dribbling, and clinical finishing, few players in the post-Messi/Ronaldo era can match him. In addition, his knack for scoring big goals in the moments that matter most makes him the obvious choice for France’s starting XI.
Striker: Thierry Henry
There was just something different about Thierry Henry. Widely considered to be France’s greatest ever attacker, he was the perfect mix of elite athleticism and technical mastery. A devastating goalscorer from a wide range of scenarios, Henry’s peak years with Arsenal and his national team saw him redefine the modern-day forward. As stylish as they came, depending on who you ask, Henry could well be considered the greatest Premier League player of all-time. He also became France’s record goalscorer in 2007, after finding the net 51 times in 123 games, before being surpassed by Olivier Giroud.
Subs Bench
Hugo Lloris
The Most-Capped Player in the History of the National Team
Marius Tresor
France’s Defensive Anchor in the Late 1970s and Early 1980s
Eric Cantona The Charismatic Star Better Known for His Club Career
Raphael Varane
2018 World Cup Winner & Era-Defining Centre-Back
Claude Makelele
An Innovator of the Defensive Midfield Position
Didier Deschamps
The Captain Who Led France to the 1998 World Cup Trophy
Antoine Griezmann
A Stylish Attacker and a Key-Figure In 2018’s World Cup Triumph
Karim Benzema
The Winner of Multiple Champions Leagues and the 2022 Ballon d’Or
Kylian Mbappe
Modern Day Star and 2018 World Cup Winner
Jean-Pierre Papin
French Football Icon Who Won the 1991 Ballon d’Or
So, those are the greatest of all time, but how about right now? Who are the players you need to know before World Cup 2026 kicks off in America, Mexico and Canada?
Michael Olise
For the rising star, Michael Olise, this World Cup represents his first chance to truly impact the legacy of his nation. Though he only made his debut in 2024, he will be expected to play a key role in Didier Deschamps’ plans in this tournament. At 24-years-old, this will almost certainly not be his final World Cup appearance, but do not be surprised if it’s a real breakout for him at the international level.
Ousmane Dembele
The pain of failing at the final hurdle at the 2022 World Cup will no doubt still be in the mind of starting right-winger Ousmane Dembele. This time, at 28 years old, he will bring experience and a more hardened pedigree to the squad, along with all of the pressure that comes with his reputation. After winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, there’s a real chance that he could single himself out as the ‘player of the tournament’.
Kylian Mbappe
Despite putting on a fantastic performance in the 2022 World Cup final, Kylian Mbappe still couldn’t drag his team past Lionel Messi’s Argentina. With him now reaching his prime years, this PSG icon has the chance to truly carve out a special international legacy for himself. The fans will scrutinise his every move, but the rewards for success at the highest levels of this tournament will be plentiful.
Mike Maignan
This AC Milan shotstopper was on the fringes of international selection during the 2022 World Cup, but was injured for the tournament. Now, he will be expected to fill the boots of retired keeper Hugo Lloris and make his own impact. As an acclaimed shot-stopper with electric reflexes, Maignan will be judged by his composure and confidence in big, singular moments, giving him an opportunity to truly make the position his own.
William Saliba
As one of the standout young defenders in all of Europe, William Saliba has been a rock in the heart of the Arsenal defense this year. Though he did make a minor appearance in the 2022 World Cup, this year, he will be given far more responsibility, and judged to a much higher standard. Alongside Dayot Upamecano, he will have a chance to add his name to the long list of legendary French centre-back partnerships.
So, what’s your prediction for France at the World Cup? Who’s your favorite player from now or from history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
