France name squad for November UEFA Nations League matches; Pablo Pagis earns maiden call-up

Some big names have returned to the national team fold in November.

Head coach Zinedine Zidane has announced a 23-member France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League 2026-27 group-stage matches against Italy and Turkiye. Les Bleus will hope to clinch maximum points from their final two group games as they aim to book a place in the quarter-finals under their new manager.

France will take on Italy at the San Siro Stadium on November 12, followed by a clash against Turkiye at Bordeaux’s Stade Atlantique on November 15. Les Bleus are currently at the top of their group with 10 points from four matches, leading second-placed Italy by three points.

With Zidane’s men on the verge of confirming their progress to the knockout stages of the tournament, the head coach has named a strong squad for the upcoming fixtures. Several notable names have returned to the squad, while one surprising newcomer has received his maiden call-up.

Also Read: Spain name squad for November Nations League matches; Lamine Yamal called up

Pagis earns maiden France call-up; Mbappe returns

The biggest selection decision made by Zidane was to call up Paris FC midfielder Pablo Pagis. The 23-year-old has earned his maiden international call-up, having scored two goals and registered one assist in Ligue 1 this season.

The France squad – Zidane’s second – features several changes from the September roster. The majority of the squad’s core has been retained; however, some players have failed to make the cut due to injuries.

The players who have not been called up due to injuries include Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Manu Koné, and Estéban Lepaul.

Lepaul’s injury has led to Zidane recalling Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram, who had missed the previous squad. Real Madrid teammates Ibrahima Konaté and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who also missed the September camp, have been recalled.

Kylian Mbappe, who scored the first goal under Zidane’s reign, has been recalled, having left the previous international camp midway due to a tendon injury.

A few other key players who were not selected or rested in the previous squad, such as Warren Zaïre-Emery and Malo Gusto, have also been recalled.

The players who received their maiden call-ups or made their international debuts in the previous squad have retained their places, including Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Leny Yoro, and Lucas Da Cunha.

France squad for Nations League fixtures in November

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens)

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Leny Yoro (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Désiré Doué (PSG), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Pablo Pagis (Paris FC), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

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