France's national football team manager, Didier Deschamps, has decided to bring back N'Golo Kante and Randal Kolo Muani for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. France currently leads Group D and is set to face Ukraine and Azerbaijan in their final two matches as they aim to secure a spot in next year's tournament.
Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, last represented France in November 2024 during a goalless draw against Israel in the Nations League. The 34-year-old midfielder had previously been absent from the national team for two years before returning for Euro 2024, where he played a crucial role in helping France reach the semi-finals.
Deschamps' selection has been influenced by injuries to key players. Paris Saint-Germain's
Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are both unavailable for the second consecutive window. "I'm especially sad for Ousmane because last season he was spared, and now he's having a run of injuries," Deschamps mentioned during a press conference. "Not having him with us is not a good thing. "
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni will also miss out due to a left hamstring injury announced by his club on Thursday. The absence of these players has opened up opportunities for others like Warren Zaire-Emery, who recently played for the Under-21s.
The French squad includes goalkeepers Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), and Brice Samba (Rennes). Defenders named are Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders selected include Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N'Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Manu Kone (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), and Rayan Cherki (Manchester City).
Forwards chosen are Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), and Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan).
24 Bleus appels et 2 matchs pour valider notre ticket à la Coupe du Monde 2026 Voici la liste de Didier Deschamps pour le dernier rassemblement de l'année ! pic.twitter.com/606Rlq09WY Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) November 6, 2025
Randal Kolo Muani returns after missing the last two camps. His inclusion alongside Warren Zaire-Emery highlights Deschamps' strategy to strengthen the squad amid injury challenges. With these changes, France aims to maintain its top position in Group D and secure qualification for the World Cup.
As France prepares for these crucial matches, Deschamps hopes that his squad can overcome recent setbacks and perform at their best. The team's depth will be tested as they strive to achieve their goal of reaching next year's tournament.
