Jean-Philippe Mateta has been called up by Didier Deschamps to face Azerbaijan and Iceland as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Christopher Nkunku, whose last appearance with France dates back to November 2024, is making his return to Les Bleus.
Mateta, 28, who has extensive experience in the youth categories, will thus discover the French national team’s professional squad for the first time in his career. A well-deserved reward for the Crystal Palace forward, author of remarkable performances since his arrival in England in 2021.
“This is his first time playing with the senior team, even though he’s not that young. He has a knack for scoring goals. Obviously, this is linked to Marcus Thuram’s absence,” recognised Deschamps. “But he has a good profile and has done well, particularly at the Olympics. He’s been on the preliminary list for quite some time, along with around 50 other players.”
AC Milan’s Nkunku, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to a torn lateral ligament in his knee, is making his comeback.
“He has not been spared injuries. He has very interesting potential, I am convinced of his potential. He has limited playing time at the moment because of his change of club, but I have confidence in him,” explained the French manager.
Hugo Ekitike and Maghnes Akliouche are back for their second call-up. Eduardo Camavinga, who missed the last two meetings due to injury, is also present. As is Kingsley Coman, who was preferred to Florian Thauvin, enjoying a good start to the season with Lens.
A squad marked by new additions, justified by the absences of Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, both injured while playing for France in September, Marcus Thuram and Rayan Cherki.
France’s full squad for October’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot (Olympique de Marseille), Khephren Thuram (Juventus), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Kingsley Coman (Al Nassr), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan)
