How France could line up with XI at the 2026 World Cup has been predicted, including Christopher Nkunku and Kylian Mbappe, who are tied with Chelsea

FRANCE could have an exciting new look at the 2026 World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ side suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat by Argentina in yesterday’s final in Qatar.

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And according to reports, Zinedine Zidane is now set to lead a new wave of stars for the next World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Players like Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud could be done with international football when it rolls around.

Meanwhile, the likes of Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele will be sweating over their seats after dismal performances against Argentina.

Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman examines how France could potentially compete at the 2026 World Cup…

TW – MIKE MAIGNAN (AC MILAN)

Unlucky to miss this World Cup after injuring himself after becoming Serie A’s best stopper.

Has gone from strength to strength since winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2020.

And he is the natural successor to the outgoing captain Lloris.

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RB – BENJAMIN PAVARD (BAYERN MUNICH)

A breakthrough star in France’s 2018 triumph, he was eliminated for Kounde after the first group game.

But a centre-back can never fulfill the role of a natural right-back and Pavard could get a chance to reclaim his place under Zidane.

CB – IBRAHIMA KONATE (LIVERPOOL)

Impressed in starts against Australia, Tunisia and Morocco but was dropped for yesterday’s final.

Konate already excels as a modern defender and should establish himself in France’s XI as he also takes over the Liverpool back line.

CB – WILLIAM SALIBA (ARSENAL)

Was hoping to see more action in Qatar as he spent most of his time warming up the bench.

But Saliba is already a Premier League star and his chance at France is sure to come soon.

LB – THEO HERNANDEZ (AC MILAN)

Stinked in the final but is one of the best full-backs around on his day.

Offers a natural offensive threat that should see him win over Bayern’s brother Lucas.

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CM – AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI (REAL MADRID)

Wants revenge after shooting a free kick past Emi Martinez’s goal.

He already directs the show at Real Madrid and will continue to grow into the role of N’Golo Kante for France.

CM – EDUARDO CAMAVINGA (REAL MADRID)

Close to becoming Tchouameni’s Real midfield partner and will no doubt carry that connection to the national team.

Has everything in his pocket to become a full midfielder and will be one of Zidane’s favorites for sure.

RW – RANDAL KOLO MUANI (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT)

Almost an unknown before storming onto the biggest stage in the world yesterday.

Will regret his missed late chance in injury time but could benefit from Dembele’s terrible display.

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AM – CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (RB LEIPZIG)

He was injured in training on the eve of the tournament and will now join Chelsea in a mega-money move.

A real goalscoring threat from the deep, Nkunku is ready to take on the No.10 role.

LW – MARCUS THURAM (GLADBACH)

Almost the first father-son duo after Papa Lilian to win a world championship.

An exciting mix of pace and power could help him establish himself on the left wing.

ST – KYLIAN MBAPPE (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN)

Possibly the best player in the world, having made history with his first World Cup final hat-trick since Geoff Hurst in 1966.

Switching from winger to natural No9 should result in even more goals as Mbappe crosses the Atlantic.

And he’s definitely another one who won’t forget the pain of losing the greatest game in football.