Portugal and France have named their World Cup squads with veteran stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and France’s Kylian Mbappé looming large. This page answers the big questions fans are asking now: who’s sticking around, who’s breaking through, and what the lineup signals for the tournament ahead.
Portugal still leans on Cristiano Ronaldo, with the 41-year-old considered for a continuing role, as part of a squad that blends experience with youth. France rests Mbappé at the center of their plans, but attention is also on how established stars and new attackers will complement him as Deschamps’ 2026 squad evolves.
Ronaldo’s leadership and goal-scoring ability remain a focal point for Portugal. Coaches may tailor build-up play, set-piece plans, and late-game substitutions to maximize his strengths while integrating younger talents who can evolve the attacking options for a balanced approach in the tournament.
Mbappé’s influence sits at the heart of France’s plans, supported by a wave of attacking talents like Cherki, Barcola, and Doué. The balance between Mbappé’s star power and fresh attackers could shape how France presses, counters, and finishes chances in NAfrica-friendly schedules.
Portugal’s squad includes rising talents such as Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Dodi Lukebakio, while France’s lineup features debutant Cherki among others. These players could shift the tournament’s balance with unexpected goals, creative teases in the final third, and new energy off the bench.
Beyond Ronaldo and Mbappé, look to Portugal’s midfield and defensive pivots for control and transition play, and France’s wider attackers who can stretch defenses. The emergence of younger forwards and versatile midfielders could tilt matches in tight groups and knock-out rounds.
Portugal combines experienced core with youth, offering depth in attack and midfield. France also shows depth with a mix of established stars and rising attackers. Both squads may rely on tactical flexibility—changing formations, pressing intensity, and late-game plans—to adapt to different opponents in the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a record sixth World Cup appearance after being included in Portugal’s list for the tournament.