Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been left out of the France squad for the opening games of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, while Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche has received his first senior call-up.
Ekitike, 23, has hit the ground running at Liverpool since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, scoring three goals in his first three competitive matches. Despite his bright start and an impressive record of five goals in five appearances for the France Under-21s last season, he will have to wait for a chance with Didier Deschamps’ senior side, where attacking competition remains intense.
France, 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 finalists, kick off their qualifiers with a trip to face Ukraine in Poland on Friday, September 5, before returning to Paris to host Iceland on Tuesday, September 9. They are also grouped with Azerbaijan, with further fixtures scheduled for October and November. Group winners will secure automatic qualification for the finals in North America.
Akliouche, also 23, has been rewarded for his consistent performances at Monaco, which have drawn interest from several top European clubs. The winger was part of Thierry Henry’s Olympic squad that won silver in Paris last year.
The squad also includes Rayan Cherki, who made his senior debut in June during the UEFA Nations League finals before sealing a move to Manchester City from Lyon. Despite off-field controversy at Marseille, Adrien Rabiot has also been named.
France Squad for September Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Desire Doue (PSG), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Khephren Thuram (Juventus)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
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