AS Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche has received his first call-up to the France national team for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland next week.
The 23-year-old was part of the French team that won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics under coach Thierry Henry.
Notably, in-form Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, who netted three goals in his first two matches this season, and Randal Kolo Muani, currently leaving Paris Saint-Germain, have not been included in the squad.
Superstars Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are key attacking players for coach Didier Deschamps, along with Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Manchester City’s Ryan Cherki.
Defender William Saliba makes a comeback after missing the National League finals due to injury. Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are also selected.
France squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Iceland, Ukraine
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Khephren Thuram (Juventus/ITA)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)
Published on Aug 27, 2025