France name penultimate pre-World Cup squad with Kylian Mbappé and Chevalier | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps named his penultimate France squad on Thursday before this summer's World Cup, with Kylian Mbappé and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier included. According to Le Progres, the expanded 26-man group will face Brazil and Colombia in the United States this month.

Les Bleus meet Brazil on 26 March in Foxborough, Massachusetts, then Colombia on 29 March in Landover, Maryland.

Despite losing his No 1 spot at PSG to Russia's Matvey Safonov, Chevalier, 24, one cap, retains Deschamps's trust and links up with first-choice Mike Maignan and Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba.

Mbappé's inclusion had been uncertain due to a left knee sprain that kept him out for nearly a month. He returned on Tuesday in the Champions League for Real Madrid, coming on late in the 2-1 win at Manchester City. If he comes through a second major test on Sunday in the Madrid derby against Atlético in La Liga, there would be no reason for him not to start against the Seleção, before he would likely be managed against Colombia.

Bradley Barcola's absence for several weeks with an ankle sprain benefits Randal Kolo Muani, who scored for Tottenham in the Champions League last 16 second leg despite Spurs' elimination by Atlético. Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, 24, who was involved in November, is also called up.

In defence, Jules Koundé's withdrawal at right-back is covered by Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, whose only cap came against Spain in the 2025 Nations League semi-finals, a 5-4 defeat. Deschamps will name his World Cup squad on 13 May for the 2026 tournament scheduled from 11 June to 19 July.

Source: Le Progres