Full Breakdown
Zidane Unveils First France Squad Ahead of 2026 Nations League Campaign
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Squad Announcement and Upcoming Fixtures
On Friday, September 18 the French Football Federation announced a 23-player roster for the 2026 UEFA Nations League. The list will be tested first in the group-stage match against Turkey in Izmit on September 25 (scheduled). France’s schedule then includes a visit to Belgium and a home double-header against Italy, with the second Italy match set for October 2 (scheduled).
Background & Context
Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 World Cup-winning midfielder who later guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, assumed the role of head coach of Les Bleus on August 1 (occurred), ending Didier Deschamps’ 16-year tenure. Zidane’s contract runs through the 2030 World Cup, positioning him to shape the squad for Euro 2028 and the next World Cup cycle. France entered the 2026 Nations League as the 2018 World Cup champions, runners-up at the 2022 edition and semi-finalists at the most recent World Cup.
New Faces and Notable Omissions
The announcement introduced five newcomers: goalkeeper Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), defenders Andy Diouf (Inter Milan) and Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), midfielder Lucas Da Cunha (Como) and striker Esteban Le Paul (Rennes). All five have yet to earn a senior cap.
Veteran players omitted from the squad include midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), striker Marcus Thuram (Chelsea), midfield stalwart N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea) and experienced forward Jean-Philippe Mateta (Chelsea). Their absence signals a shift toward integrating younger talent while retaining a core of established internationals.
Data & Statistics
- Caps: Goalkeeper Mike Maignan (AC Milan) leads with 48 caps; defender Jules Koundé (Barcelona) has 56 caps; midfielder Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan) holds 69 caps; forward Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) tops the list with 106 caps.
- New-call-up caps: All five newcomers have zero senior appearances.
- Club representation: Six squad members play for Italian clubs (Maignan, Diouf, Kalulu, Rabiot, Koné, and Da Cunha).
Official Statements & Responses
Zidane emphasized continuity rather than a radical overhaul, stating his aim is to maintain the team’s core while integrating fresh talent. He confirmed Kylian Mbappé as captain and explained that the new players were chosen for their “personality” and ability to fit his attacking concepts, despite limited preparation time. Zidane also highlighted his intention to experiment with Diouf as a left-back, noting the player’s adaptability at Inter.
Impact and Outlook
The blend of seasoned internationals and untested prospects positions France to build a squad capable of competing for Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. By granting debut opportunities to players who excelled domestically—such as Le Paul, Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals last season—Zidane signals a merit-based approach that could refresh the team’s tactical options. The upcoming Nations League fixtures will serve as an early barometer for how the new selections integrate into Zidane’s system.