Didier Deschamps unveiled his list on Thursday for the French team’s next two matches, against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Deschamps’ press conference
The list of 24 Blues is out!
Didier Deschamps has decided. After the announcement of Aurélien Tchouameni’s withdrawal by Real Madrid a few minutes earlier, the Blues coach revealed his list of 24 players to face Ukraine and Azerbaijan on November 13 and 16. Deprived of several other executives (Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Adrien Rabiot), “DD” decided to recall Warren Zaire-Emery, N’Golo Kanté, Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani.
- Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba.
- Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Théo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
- Midfielders: Camavinga Educus, A Glob Glove, Michael Olise, Warren Zaire-Emery.
- Attackers: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Checker, Hugo Ekasiké, Rankal Koko Muano, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbapé, Christopher Nkunku.
Note that if Hugo Ekitiké, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Christopher Nkunku were renewed in attack, compared to the last rally, Florian Thauvin is not part of the list. In defense, no surprise: the usual executives Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano are there. Logical choices also at the goalkeeper position with Mike Maignan, Lucas Chevalier and Brice Samba.
Tchouameni last minute package
Deschamps expected at 2 p.m. at the FFF headquarters
It’s almost time to meet up with the Blues. After an October rally marked by a victory against Azerbaijan (3-0) and a draw in Iceland (2-2), Didier Deschamps will announce on Thursday his list for the next two – and last – matches of the French team in these qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup: against Ukraine (Thursday November 13 in Paris) and Azerbaijan again (Sunday November 16 in Baku).
Who will be absent from Deschamps’ list?
The bad news has continued in recent days for Didier Deschamps. After learning of the new injury of Désiré Doué, victim of a severe muscle injury to the right thigh, the French coach saw Ousmane Dembélé injured with PSG against Bayern Munich, Tuesday evening in the Champions League. The 2025 Ballon d’Or suffers from a left calf injury which should sideline him for several weeks.
In the middle, the 1998 world champion will also have to do without the services of Adrien Rabiot, injured in the calf, and Aurélien Tchouameni, whose withdrawal has just been announced and who suffers from an injury to the semi-tendinosus muscle of the left leg. Marcus Thuram is uncertain. Hit in the biceps femoris of his left thigh, the Inter Milan striker has resumed training and returned to the group, but “DD” should make him breathe.
Several returns expected among the Blues
Several good news are still expected from the Blues. Aurélien Tchouameni, suspended during the last rally, should return to the selection. Warren Zaire-Emery, back at a good level with PSG, can also hope to appear in this list, as can Rayan Cherki, attractive with Manchester City. What about Florian Thauvin, Hugo Ekitiké and Jean-Philippe Mateta, called up last month? Response at 2 p.m.…
Where are the Blues in the playoffs?
After four days, Kylian Mbappé’s teammates are in a good position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. With three wins and a draw, they occupy the lead in Group D with 10 points and three lengths ahead of the Ukrainians, their next opponents. In the event of further success, next week at the Parc des Princes, the Blues will therefore be guaranteed to compete in the North American World Cup.
