N’Golo Kante, Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani have all been called up to the France squad by Didier Deschamps for the final World Cup qualifiers.
Kante, 34, whose last appearance with Les Bleus dates back to November 2024, is making his comeback with the national team, mainly due to the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, both injured, in the heart of the game. Cherki, who was unavailable for the last two gatherings and has just returned to the pitch with Manchester City, is also back. The same goes for Kolo Muani, not included since June, who has had a difficult start to the season, between a turbulent summer and a troubled debut with Tottenham Hotspur.
“He hadn’t returned to action; he was injured (during previous gatherings). He has been part of this France squad for quite some time because of what he has done. He can play in different positions and knows this group well. Once he is fit again, it seems logical to me that he should come back with us,” said Deschamps, explaining his decision to recall the former Parisian.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, capped for the first time last October, and Warren Zaire-Emery, back in good form with PSG, are also included. Unlike Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram, who are all injured.
- Read also: Mateta on his rise to the France national team: “They told me I was crazy to even think about it”
Leading Group D before the international break, Les Bleus should, barring any surprises, secure their ticket to the United States against Ukraine (13/11) or Azerbaijan (16/11).
France’s full squad for November’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), N’Golo Kante (Al Nassr), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Attaquants: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
