France National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Dembélé · Mbappé · Olise · Rabiot · Cherki · Tchouaméni · T. Hernandez · Koundé · Saliba · Upamecano · Maignan

France plays a highly vertical game built to strike quickly on the break using a 5-2-3. The team aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and move the ball forward with speed. This lineup is designed to use the whole width of the field to stretch the opposition and create gaps.

Maignan acts as the last line of defence to collect crosses and sweep behind the line. A back five provides a heavy defensive block to prevent penetrative runs. Tchouaméni sits centrally as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. Saliba and Upamecano stay alongside him, with Saliba known for his ability to intercept passes and Upamecano using his aerial strength to win headers. Koundé works as a defensive wing back on the right to maintain a narrow defensive block, while T. Hernandez operates as an attacking wing back to push high and provide width.

The midfield features a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Rabiot plays as one of the two central midfielders to shield the defence and win the second ball. Cherki acts as the carrier who drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Rabiot often drops deep to receive the ball and recycle possession, while Cherki looks to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. This duo must work hard to cover the space left when the wing backs push up.

A front three stays high to pin the last defender and pressure the opposition. Dembélé operates as a pressing centre forward to force long balls and disrupt the build up. Mbappé plays as an inverted winger on the left, constantly looking to cut inside and hit in behind. Olise stays on the right to stretch the defence and whip it in from wide areas. The team builds the attack by using the wing backs to overlap the winger, creating many one on one situations in the final third.

One main strength is the ability to create wide overloads when T. Hernandez and Mbappé combine on the left. The team can also exploit a high line through speed of transition once they win the ball back. Having a back three with Saliba and Upamecano provides great protection against crosses and allows the team to remain compact when defending in a mid block.

The 5-2-3 formation makes France a dangerous unit during quick transitions. This lineup is best suited for facing teams that play with a high defensive line and leave space for runners.