Mateta, Florian Thauvin and Nkunku in line for surprise France call-up

France national team manager Didier Deschamps will announce at 2 pm CET his squad for the October international break. Les Bleus will continue their campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. It’s so far so good for France, who have won their opening Group D games against Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1). The 2022 World Cup runners-up will host Azerbaijan on Friday, October 10, at Paris’ Parc des Princes, before flying out to Reykjavík to face Iceland three days later.

Deschamps has several conundrums to solve, particularly up front. Indeed, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram will all miss out through injuries. Furthermore, Randal Kolo Muani remains sidelined with Tottenham. It means that France have only two recognized centre-forwards to rely on with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike. The latter is expected to be recalled, despite pulling out of the Reds’ Champions League loss to Galatasaray.

L’Equipe understands that Bradley Barcola, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Maghnes Akliouche will retain their berth in France’s squad, but significant gaps remain to be filled. The outlet adds that RC Lens winger Florian Thauvin and Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta have both received a preliminary call-up. The 2018 World Cup winner has impressed since joining the Artois side, whereas Mateta has never played for France’s senior team, although he took part in France’s run to the silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as an overage player.

L’Equipe reports that Christopher Nkunku could also hope to be recalled. Deschamps rates the former Chelsea player’s profile and versatility, and Nkunku is slowly finding his form back with Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan AC.