Robin Risser Lands No. 3 France World Cup Call-Up

Robin Risser got the surprise of France’s World Cup squad on Thursday, with Didier Deschamps naming the Lens goalkeeper as the No. 3 behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. The selection capped a breakthrough season that also brought him the best-goalkeeper award earlier this week.

Risser’s Lens rise

Risser’s place in the 26-man list came after he helped make Lens the second-best defense in Ligue 1. He had already collected the best-goalkeeper award earlier this week, and the call-up matched that run of form with a spot in France’s squad for June 11-July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Deschamps said the selection process came down to current level, not reputation. “The main criteria is sporting performance,” he said. That line fit Risser’s case: a keeper who forced his way into the discussion through league form rather than long-term international status.

Deschamps backs form

France’s group stage draw adds another layer to the squad selection. Les Bleus were placed in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway, and they arrive with a roster that still includes heavyweight names such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Risser is not being asked to displace them, only to hold his place in the goalkeeping order behind Maignan and Samba.

The choices in goal also explained the omissions. Lucas Chevalier missed out after losing his starting spot to Matvey Safonov, while Eduardo Camavinga was among the other notable players left out. Deschamps also chose Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta over Randal Kolo Muani, tightening the forward group around players he believes are in the best current shape.

France squad decisions

Risser described the moment as the kind of call every young goalkeeper waits for. “I’m full of pride, it’s something incredible,” he said after being called up. “I can’t find the words. It’s just extraordinary. It was one of my dreams.”

For Lens, the reward is simple: one of its breakthrough players is now in France’s World Cup plans, and his role is set. For Risser, the next step is keeping the form that won him the award and the squad place, while France sorts out its pecking order before the tournament begins.