Boston & Washington D.C. – Kylian Mbappé has been included in Didier Deschamps’ 27-man squad for France’s upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, marking a key checkpoint in preparations ahead of major tournaments. The matches, scheduled for March 26th in Boston and March 29th in Washington D.C., will provide valuable opportunities for assessment as Les Bleus fine-tune their strategies.
Mbappé’s inclusion comes as he returns to full fitness following a recent injury spell with Real Madrid. The 27-year-aged superstar is within striking distance of a historic milestone: surpassing Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading goalscorer. Giroud currently holds the record with 57 goals in 137 appearances, while Mbappé has 52 goals in 92 games for the national team – just three shy of equalling the record.
The squad announcement reflects Deschamps’ focus on evaluating attacking options, particularly in light of a recent injury to Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani earns a recall, joining a formidable attacking contingent that includes nine forwards. Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as well retains his place in the squad, demonstrating Deschamps’ willingness to integrate emerging talent.
Beyond the attack, Deschamps has also made a notable goalkeeping decision, selecting PSG’s Lucas Chevalier despite the player recently losing his starting position in the Parisian club to Matvei Safonov. This suggests Deschamps sees potential in Chevalier and wants to assess his form in an international setting. Lens’ Robin Risser and Jean Butez of Como were not included in the traveling party.
The match against Brazil at Fenway Park in Boston will be a high-profile encounter, offering a stern test for the French side. Three days later, France will face Colombia at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. – their first meeting since a 3-2 defeat to La Tricolor in March 2018, a match decided by a late penalty from Juan Quintero at the Stade de France. For fans in the United States, these friendlies represent a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s best players on American soil.
Full France Squad
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
The inclusion of players like Monaco’s Akliouche and the continued faith in Chevalier highlight Deschamps’ commitment to exploring all available options. The friendlies will serve as a crucial platform for these players to showcase their abilities and potentially cement their place in the squad for future competitions. It’s worth remembering that international friendlies aren’t just about the results; they’re about experimentation, building team cohesion, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Mbappé’s pursuit of Giroud’s record adds another layer of intrigue to these matches. While the team’s primary focus will be on collective performance and tactical preparation, the opportunity for Mbappé to etch his name further into French football history will undoubtedly be a motivating factor. The dynamic between the established stars and the emerging talents within the squad will be a key storyline to watch as Deschamps navigates these friendlies.
France’s next confirmed fixture after these friendlies is yet to be announced, but attention will soon turn to qualifying campaigns for upcoming tournaments. The results and performances in Boston and Washington will undoubtedly influence Deschamps’ decisions as he shapes his squad for the challenges that lie ahead. Fans can follow official updates and team news through the French Football Federation’s website and social media channels.
What are your thoughts on Deschamps’ squad selection? Share your predictions for the matches against Brazil and Colombia in the comments below!
