Kylian Mbappé Returns for France in UEFA Nations League Squad
Kylian Mbappé headlines a wave of returning talent named by head coach Zinédine Zidane on November 6, 2026, alongside midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, defender Ibrahima Konaté, and forward Marcus Thuram. The squad announcement brings back several key figures who missed the previous international window due to injuries.
Mbappé returns to the national setup after recovering from a knee injury sustained on September 25, 2026, during a 1-0 victory in Turkey. The all-time leading scorer for Les Bleus has since netted eight goals in seven appearances for Real Madrid. Tchouaméni and Konaté likewise return after overcoming their respective fitness issues.
New Faces and Recalls Under Zidane
Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis earns his first senior call-up, standing as the only uncapped player in Zidane’s 23-man squad. The 23-year-old breaks into the senior setup. Meanwhile, midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, defender Malo Gusto, and goalkeeper Robin Risser return to the national team after missing Zidane’s initial gathering.
Zaïre-Emery and Risser missed the prior squad due to physical setbacks, while Gusto returns after missing out on selection during the opening camp of the new managerial era, despite featuring at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane Tackles Key Squad Injuries While Leading Group Standings
Zidane must deal with several key absences due to injuries. The squad is missing defenders William Saliba, Jules Koundé, and Maxence Lacroix, alongside midfielders Ousmane Dembélé and Manu Koné. Forwards Maghnes Akliouche and Estéban Lepaul also miss out on selection because of injuries.
France sits atop its group in the UEFA Nations League with three victories and one draw. The team needs only a single point to secure qualification for the quarterfinals.
Upcoming Fixtures in November
Les Bleus travel to face Italy in Milan on November 12, 2026, before returning to host Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15, 2026.
