France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has explained his key decisions regarding the final squad announced for the 2026 World Cup. Specifically, the manager clarified the reasons behind the exclusion of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from the tournament.
Earlier, the 57-year-old coach announced France's final roster for the World Cup. The list includes a number of star players, but the absence of names like Camavinga and Chevalier has raised questions among fans.
Deschamps stated that the current season has not been easy for Camavinga. The Real Madrid player has lacked sufficient playing time due to injuries and is finishing the season in a difficult state. Therefore, the coach took the player's current preparation, physical condition, and team balance into account when making his final decision.
"Camavinga is finishing a difficult season; he played little due to injuries. He is still very young. I have to make choices and build the team squad. But I can imagine how disappointed he is with my decision," said Deschamps.
From these words, it is clear that the France coach does not deny Camavinga's talent. On the contrary, he emphasizes that his future is still ahead. However, in a major tournament like the World Cup, the current form of every player is of decisive importance.
Deschamps also touched upon the issue of Lucas Chevalier. Although the choice of a third goalkeeper might seem simple, this position has its own specific role in a major tournament. According to the coach, Chevalier has been in the national team environment for a long time, but has not had enough playing time in recent months.
Deschamps explained that he chose Robin Risser for this reason. He noted that Risser has had a very good season, is a young player coming in with great enthusiasm, and is an important candidate for the entire team environment.
"The third goalkeeper has a specific role. Chevalier, who has been with us for a long time, is obviously disappointed. He hasn't played for several months, while Risser is having a very good season. He is a young player coming with great enthusiasm and is important for the whole team," Deschamps is quoted as saying by RMC Sport.
In a strong national team like France, choosing the final squad is always associated with difficult decisions. Because competition is high in every position, and every candidate plays at a high level for their club. At such times, the coach is forced to look not only at the player's name but also at their current state, preparation, and how much they can contribute to the team.
In short, Deschamps explained the exclusion of Camavinga and Chevalier as a difficult but necessary decision. At the World Cup, readiness and team interest take precedence over emotions. Both Camavinga and Chevalier are still young — their story with the France national team does not end here.
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