France Recall Experienced Duo for Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers

Didier Deschamps calls up Kante and Muani for Ukraine and Azerbaijan matches

France coach Didier Deschamps recalls N'Golo Kante and Randal Kolo Muani for World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

“I’m especially sad for Ousmane because last season he was spared, and now he’s having a run of injuries...” 

France coach Didier Deschamps has announced his squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and it's a familiar bunch. N' Golo Kante, the 2018 World Cup winner, and Randal Kolo Muani, a 2022 World Cup finalist, are back in the team. Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad, has been recalled to fill the midfield gap, while Kolo Muani, a Tottenham Hotspur forward, benefits from Marcus Thuram's injury absence.

The squad announcement was marked by notable absences, including Paris St Germain's Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, who are ruled out due to injuries. Deschamps expressed his disappointment, saying, “I'm especially sad for Ousmane because last season he was spared, and now he's having a run of injuries. Not having him with us is not a good thing.” France, currently top of Group D, can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ukraine on November 13.

“I’m especially sad for Ousmane because last season he was spared, and now he’s having a run of injuries,” Deschamps told a press conference. “Not having him with us is not a good thing.”

France's national team manager Didier Deschamps has made changes to his squad due to injuries and suspensions. Aurelien Tchouameni, who was suspended for the previous matches, has now sustained a left hamstring injury, ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures.

🇫🇷 24 Bleus appelés 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

To fill the gap in midfield, Deschamps has recalled N'Golo Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad and last featured for France in November 2024. Kante, who captained the side in a Nations League match against Israel, brings experience and defensive prowess to the team.