France announce squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan & Iceland; Kylian Mbappe called up

Les Bleus are leading Group D of the European 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Didier Deschamps has announced his team for France’s October international break camp. Les Bleus will try and attempt to maintain their flawless record in the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

France defeated Iceland 2-1 and Ukraine 2-0 in their opening Group D matches last month. Les Bleus will travel to Reykjavík to play Iceland on Monday after hosting Azerbaijan on Friday, October 10.

With Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, Randal Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram all sidelined due to injuries, Deschamps had several gaps in his team to cover.

Deschamps only had Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike as established centre-forwards. So the manager of the France national team decided to call up Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace for the first time.

Given that UEFA suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni for two games, his exclusion makes sense. One of Real Madrid’s teammates will benefit from his absence.

Eduardo Camavinga has indeed returned to the team for the first time since the match against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

William Saliba, the centre-back for Arsenal, has rejoined the team after missing the previous campaign due to an ankle injury. He recently extended his contract with the Gunners. The Saint-Etienne Academy graduate has returned to France, replacing Benjamin Pavard of Marseille.

France squad for the October international break

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), L. Hernandez (PSG), T. Hernandez (Al-Hilal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Khephren Thuram (Juventus).

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Kingsley Coman (Al-Nassr), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).

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