Four years on from France’s final heartbreak in the 2022 World Cup, plenty has changed within the squad.
Under Didier Deschamps, the Blues fell short against Argentina in arguably one of the best World Cup finals of all time. A 3-3 draw after extra time, followed by an intense penalty shootout, meant the defending champions were not able to retain their honour.
Despite falling short at the final hurdle, big things are still expected from France. Deschamps, who will manage the national team for the final time this summer, stated, “What happened in 1998 and 2018 will always stay with me, but nothing can change the past. What matters now is what we do next.”
So, where are the 2022 French final Starting XI now?
Hugo Lloris (GK) – Los Angeles FC:
PHOTO: Hugo Lloris celebrates France’s season goal in World Cup Final (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
In 2022, Lloris was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Spurs under Antonio Conte’s management, starting 90 consecutive Premier League games by August that calendar year.
Lloris captained both Spurs and The Blues that year, becoming the most-capped French player in history, and reaching the most World Cup matches played by a Frenchman (20).
The 39-year-old now plays in America for MLS side Los Angeles FC, following reports that Spurs bought out the remainder of the contract in place.
Theo Hernández (LB) – Al Hilal:
PHOTO: Theo Hernandez celebrates after scoring in the semi-final (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Hernandez thrived for AC Milan in 2022, even helping the Italian giants win Serie A the season prior.
Hernandez was an unexpected starter for the World Cup, but as Lucas Hernandez (brother) suffered an ACL tear in the opening fixture, Theo Hernandez was given the nod and never looked back!
Theo Hernandez completed a permanent transfer from AC Milan to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in the summer of 2025 for approximately £21 million. A three-year contract was agreed with current terms set to expire at the end of the 2027/28 season.
Dayot Upamecano (CB) – Bayern Munich:
PHOTO: Upamecano in action during World Cup final (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP via Getty Images)
Upamecano played a pivotal role in the France squad, starting five out of seven games during the World Cup.
The defender continues to play for German giants, Bayern Munich, signing for them back in July 2021.
The 27-year-old’s contract expires in June 2030, and has a delayed £60-70 million release clause, set to become active in summer 2027.
Raphaël Varane (CB) – Retired:
PHOTO: Varane looking unnerved prior to World Cup final kickoff (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
One of the most prestigious central defenders of the modern era, Raphaël Varane, played a total of 521 minutes during the Qatar World Cup. Following the final defeat, Varane retired from international football.
A transfer from Manchester United to Como was an exciting opportunity for Varane, but a major knee injury on his debut left the 31-year-old on the sidelines for an extended period. This timeframe meant Varane made the decision to take a non-playing/board role instead, and continues to do so today.
Jules Kounde (RB) – Barcelona:
PHOTO: Kounde in action during World Cup final (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Kounde, a natural centre back, was deployed as a right back following France’s opening game in Qatar, overtaking Benjamin Pavard.
Kounde played six games during the tournament, starting five of them.
The fullback continues to play for Barcelona, after making a career-changing transfer from Sevilla back in 2022 for an initial fee of £43 million. A five-year extension was signed in 2025, meaning Kounde is set to continue to play for Barça until 2030.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (CDM) – Real Madrid:
PHOTO: Tchouameni misses penalty in the World Cup final (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
A few months before the Qatar World Cup commenced, Tchouaméni completed a move from Monaco to Real Madrid.
During the competition, Tchouaméni was a prestigious anchor for the French national team. Starting seven out of seven games, including an absolute rocket against England.
The 26-year-old is now arguably at a career peak and is set to continue in that defensive midfielder role under Jose Mourinho’s management.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) – AC Milan:
PHOTO: Rabiot battles with Polish player Sebastian Szymansk (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Rabiot started six games during France’s run in the competition, employed due to pre-tournament injuries suffered by Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté.
During the World Cup, Rabiot played for Serie A side Juventus at club level. It was Rabiot’s fourth season for the Italian side.
After the contract at Juventus expired, Rabiot made a free transfer to Marseille, where a violent changing room incident led to Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe being banished from the club.
Rabiot is now back in Italy, playing for AC Milan week in week out, with the player tied down until June 2028.
Antoine Griezmann (CM) – Atlético Madrid:
PHOTO: Griezmann in action during World Cup final in Qatar (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
A crisis of pre-tournament injuries, which has been touched on already, meant Griezmann had to take a hybrid midfielder role instead of the typical attacking midfielder position the Frenchman is used to.
Griezmann was the joint-highest for assists during the 2022 World Cup, managing to provide three assists in Qatar.
During the competition, Griezmann represented Atlético Madrid on a club level before moving on to a permanent transfer to Barcelona in 2022.
Now, the player is back at Atlético Madrid and has spoken out about the regret of moving to Barcelona, not realising the appreciation felt at Atléti.
Kylian Mbappé (LW) – Real Madrid:
PHOTO: Mbappe celebrates after scoring France’s second goal in World Cup final(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
From the teenage kicks in 2018, to the form of his life in 2022, Mbappe finally got the big money move to Real Madrid everyone dreams of!
Mbappe scored eight goals during the World Cup, including an unforgettable hat-trick in the final, which was not enough to come out victorious.
In the summer of 2024, Mbappe completed a free transfer to La Liga. Due to there being no fee, Real Madrid paid a staggering £130 million sign-on bonus to the player. The 27-year-old continues to strive as Los Blancos number nine.
Ousmane Dembélé (RW) – PSG:
PHOTO: Dembele pictured praying before World Cup final kickoff (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
During the 2022 World Cup, Dembélé represented Barcelona at club level. Expected to leave the club that year, new manager Xavi revitalised the attacker’s career.
Although Dembélé featured in every game during the tournament, many were critical of his personal final performance. Many pundits labelled it as disastrous.
In 2023, Dembélé signed a five-year contract with PSG following a £50 million transfer fee. Since the move, the 29-year-old has become world-class, winning nine trophies, including back-to-back Champions Leagues.
Dembélé has also won a Ballon d’Or, winning the personal award in 2025.
Olivier Giroud (ST) – LOSC Lille:
PHOTO: Giroud takes control of the ball in Qatar World Cup final (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Coming into the tournament, Karim Benzema was the starting striker. However, due to an injury before the start of the tournament, Giroud was given the nod upfront.
During the competition, Giroud represented AC Milan at club level. The striker moved from Chelsea to AC Milan in the summer of 2021.
Currently, Giroud plays for LOSC Lille, with current contract terms set to expire in June 2027, meaning the Frenchman will play top-flight football at 40 years old.
