France's November surprise: Kanté returns as Deschamps names 24 for World Cup qualifiers

Kanté makes a surprise return

Didier Deschamps, head coach of the France national team, announced the players who will join the squad for the November camp. A high-profile inclusion was N'Golo Kanté, back in the blue for the first time since November 2024, alongside a handful of other rejoiners and fresh beneficiaries of form and fitness.

France will host Ukraine before heading away to face Azerbaijan on November 13 and 16 in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Reestablishing momentum is now the priority as they chase direct qualification.

The World Cup champions from 1998 and 2018 need a win against Ukraine to move closer to sealing their place in the 2026 finals. The road remains challenging, but the target is clear: finish the group phase strongly and avoid complicated path plays.

There was a notable inclusion in Kanté’s case: returning to the fold after time away, the midfielder is expected to contribute leadership and energy whenever called upon, with his blend of experience and intent on the ball. His selection marks a potential turning point in the midfield balance for Les Bleus.

Deschamps commented during a press conference: “I’m in touch with Kanté; he is in excellent form in his club games, playing regularly every 3-4 days. He remains eligible for the squad, and the call-up confirms that.”

He added: “Kanté must maintain his place. He brings status and know-how; when I call him up, it’s to give him a real role in the team, not just a place on the roster.”

“I watch Kanté closely with the staff and am always happy to see him in France’s jersey,” the coach concluded, underscoring the trust he places in the veteran’s ongoing contribution.

Injuries also shaped the squad’s composition: Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Ousmane Dembélé, and another PSG forward were sidelined for the November camp due to various knocks and fitness concerns, narrowing the pool and elevating the importance of those healthy and in good form.

France therefore named 24 players for two pivotal fixtures against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, with a thoughtfully balanced squad across goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and attack.

Goalkeepers: Lucas Shovalyer (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Ibrahim Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Manu Kone (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

Forwards: Magnus Akliouch (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).

World Cup 2026 – France’s Group France lead Group 4 with 10 points after beating Ukraine (2-0), Iceland (2-1), and Azerbaijan (3-0), then drawing with Iceland (2-2). Ukraine sit second with 7 points, Iceland fourth with 4, and Azerbaijan bottom with 1. The final two fixtures pit France against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes and an away clash with Azerbaijan on November 13 and 16. Ukraine will face France next before hosting Iceland.

Deschamps also noted the pressure and the need for focus, especially after the disappointing draw against Iceland. The coach and his staff will monitor squad fitness closely as the campaign moves toward its decisive phase.

Historically, Deschamps has steered France to the Euro 2016 runner-up finish on home soil, World Cup 2018 glory, and Nations League triumph in 2021, with a recent bronze in the same tournament. France has claimed silver at two World Cups (2006 and 2022) and bronze at several editions, with a total of 73 World Cup games: 39 wins, 14 draws, 20 losses, 136 goals scored and 85 conceded. The team remains among football’s all-time powerhouses, even as the road to 2026 remains long and challenging for the reigning champions.

And yes, even the stars must nap between alarm bells and bus schedules. Two punchlines to keep things light: Kanté’s back in the squad and the midfield may finally learn the true meaning of “onside.” If the World Cup trophy ever needs directions, Kanté will likely provide the shortest route—just follow the ball.