Chelsea defender Malo Gusto says representing France at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the fulfilment of a childhood dream as he prepares to compete for the starting right-back position in Didier Deschamps’ squad.
The 23-year-old earned his place in France’s 26-man World Cup squad after another season of steady progress at Chelsea, where he has continued to develop despite the club’s disappointing Premier League campaign.
Gusto, who joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023, has become one of France’s rising defensive talents and will challenge Barcelona defender Jules Kounde for a starting role during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking about his World Cup call-up, Gusto described the achievement as a proud moment in his career.
“It is a dream that I have had since I was a child,” he said. “To be part of the France squad for the World Cup makes me hugely proud.”
The defender credited Chelsea teammate Reece James for helping him improve since arriving in England.
“Reece has helped me a lot,” Gusto said. “He is a top player and someone I have learned from every day since joining Chelsea.”
Gusto also revealed that former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves remains one of his biggest inspirations.
“For me, Dani Alves was the complete modern full-back,” he said. “He could defend, attack and influence matches in every area of the pitch.”
Despite his growing reputation, Gusto believes there is still room for improvement.
“Defensively, there are areas where I can be better,” he said. “In attack, I also want to contribute more goals and assists. I work hard every day because improvement comes from hard work, not magic.”
Gusto has earned nine caps for France since making his senior debut in 2023 and is part of a new generation of talent emerging from Lyon’s renowned academy.
Alongside Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki and Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, Gusto came through the youth ranks at Lyon before establishing himself at the highest level.
“To see all three of us at the World Cup is special,” he said. “The Lyon academy teaches players to be confident on the ball and express themselves. That has helped all of us.”
France head into the tournament aiming to reclaim the World Cup title they won in 2018 before losing the 2022 final to Argentina.
Gusto believes the squad has the quality to challenge for football’s biggest prize, with stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the attack.
“We have some of the best players in the world,” he said. “Playing alongside them is incredible and everyone is focused on the same goal.”
Looking ahead, Gusto has set ambitious targets for both club and country.
“I want to become one of the reference points at right-back in world football,” he said. “And of course, I would love to say that I have won a World Cup with France.”
With the tournament fast approaching, Gusto now has the opportunity to turn that ambition into reality on football’s biggest stage.
