France is gearing up for their final two World Cup qualifying fixtures in November, but injuries continue to disrupt Didier Deschamps’ plans. The 2018 champions boast huge star power, yet concerns remain as they push to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kante Returns as Chouameni Injury Forces Changes
Just before the squad announcement, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni was ruled out with injury. To fill the gap, Deschamps has turned back to a familiar face — N’Golo Kanté.
The 34-year-old midfielder, now playing for Saudi side Al Ittihad, returns to the national team setup for the first time since November of last year. He had captained France during a UEFA Nations League match but was later excluded from selections as Deschamps looked toward fresh options.
“His experience is always valuable,” the France coach hinted when discussing the need for stability in midfield.
Tchouaméni missed the previous two matches as well due to suspension, and his absence has now opened the door once again for Kanté’s comeback.
Multiple Injuries but Strong Firepower Up Front
Ousmane Dembele and Désiré Doué (Desiree) have also been ruled out with injuries, something that disappoints Deschamps deeply.
“𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒆,” 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒅. “𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒋𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
Despite these setbacks, France remains stacked with attacking talent. Captain Kylian Mbappé will lead a frontline that includes Bradley Barcola, Hugo Ekitike, and Christopher Nkunku. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani replaces Marcus Thuram up front, and teenage sensation Warren Zaïre-Emery has again earned a spot in midfield.
France sits atop Group D with 10 points from four matches — three wins and a draw — followed by Ukraine (7 points), Iceland (4 points), and Azerbaijan (1 point). Les Bleus will meet Ukraine on November 14 and Azerbaijan on November 16.
France Squad for November World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Michael Olise, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Hugo Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappé, Christopher Nkunku
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