france predicted squad players list fifa world cup 2022 footbalyticsfrance predicted squad players list fifa world cup 2022 footbalytics

Hugo Lloris to lead as we look at the strongest predicted 26-member squad and players list for 2018 champions France for FIFA World Cup 2022.  

Revisiting to 2018, France made a statement by winning the FIFA World Cup 2018 with the second-youngest squad of the tournament. If anyone thought that was a fluke, they went on to win the 2021 UEFA Nations League as well.

Undoubtedly, France would be one of the favorites to win the FIFA WorldCup 2022. If they are ablet to win, France the two time WC winners (1998,2018) would become the third nation to win successive championships after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).

However, Didier Deschamps’s side would want to break the recent jinx of recent winners failing to proceed to the Knockout stage. France are placed in Group D with Austria, Denmark, and Tunisia in the group. But with the squad that France has, they’ll be looking to go through the group quite easily.

With the official squad deadline set for November 15, It would be interesting to see how Didier Deschamp would select his WC squad with a few of the best talents in the world. So, in this article, we analyze the strongest predicted 22-member squad for France for FIFA World Cup 2022. 

Goal-Keepers

Hugo Lloris, Alban Lafont & Alphonse Areola

Hugo Lloris would be France’s first choice keeper for sure. He has been outstanding for Spurs in EPL and captained the side pretty well. With his experience and form, he’ll be surely the one standing between the post for Deschamp.

The other 3 options for Deschamp will of Mike Maigun, Alphonse Areola and Alban Lafont. All three of them are more than capable to be in the WC squad. But the latest injury concerns to Maigun might make things easier for Deschamp to select the other two keepers.

Defenders

Main: Lucas Hernandez,  Jules Kounde, Ferland Mendy, Benjamin Pavard & Dayot Upamecano

Backups: Lucas Digne, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, William Saliba & Wesley Fofana

France have one of the best talent pool of defenders in the world right now. Didier Deschamp would have a lot of options at every position. Varane, who got an injury blow against Chelsea is the only doubtful starter to be on the flight to Qatar. Rest all the options are fit and doing really well for their respective clubs.

For the Center back spot, Deschamp has William Saliba of Arsenal, Presnel Kimpembe of PSG, Wesley Fofana of Chelsea, Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez of Bayern Munich, and Jules Kounde of Barcelona.

Left back position is sorted for France with two strong contenders in Theo Hernandez of Milan and Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid. Both are having a wonderful season with their clubs. For the Right-wing, Benjamin Pavard will be the preferred choice definitely. Ruben Aguilar and Jonathan Clauss will be the two other options.

Overall, France have many other potential players to step up on the big stage if given a chance, like Clement Lenglet, Lucas Digne and Kurt Zouma.

Midfielders

Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Nabil Fekir, Adrien Rabiot & Aurelien Tchouameni

Didier Deschamp have a few many concerns in midfield as their 2-star mid-fielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are already out of contention due to injuries. Paul Pogba suffered a thigh injury and Kante and severe hamstring injury and are not available for selections as well.

Still, France have great options to choose from. From the likes of Adrian Rabiot to Nabil Fekir, they have plenty of class and strength in their midfield. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni would be the ones to make it to the squad along with Matteo Guendouzi. Both Camavinga and Tchouameni are doing really well with Real Madrid.

Forwards

Main: Karim Benzema, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann & Kylian Mbappe

Backup: Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo Muani Christopher Nkunku

OMG! What a pack of attackers does France have. Undoubtedly it’s their strongest part and they can turn matches on their head with this attacking force. With the likes of 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema and star of 2018 WC Kylian Mbappe, the attack is almost sorted for Deschamp. 

Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Antony Martial have consistently delivered for their clubs and have been the star of their squads for years. Meanwhile, Oliver Giroud needs no introduction and has been one of the most successful attackers for France over the years. Kingsley Coman and Christoper Nkunku are really good options and will be willing to prove themselves if given a chance.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Strongest Predicted 26-Member Squad for France: 

Goal-Keepers: Hugo Lloris, Alban Lafont & Alphonse Areola

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde, Ferland Mendy, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano & Wesley Fofana

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Nabil Fekir, Adrien Rabiot & Aurelien Tchouameni

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe & Christopher Nkunku

So, that’s about the strongest predicted 26-member squad for France for FIFA World Cup 2022. Overall, France have a very strong squad with a brilliant attacking option. They certainly are in contention to retain the trophy. Nevertheless, here’s the group stage schedule for France for FIFA World Cup 2022. 

FIFA World Cup 2022 Schedule for France: 

  • 1st Match – November 22 // France vs Australia // Al Janoub Stadium
  • 2nd Match – November 26 // France vs Denmark // Stadium 974
  • 3rd Match – November 30 // France vs Tunisia // Education City Stadium

Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on the FIFA World Cup 2022 squad for France? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com


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By Himanshu Tyagi

Himanshu is an author at Footbalytics. He is a sports freak and Football is his first love. He is a National level football player himself. With the world full of Messi's, Ronaldo's and Gerrard's fans, he is a die hard fan of Iker Casillas. Though he is a Sales Manager by profession, he would never miss playing football with his mates.