Zinédine Zidane, the newly appointed head of the French team, unveiled his inaugural squad list on Friday, marking his first selection since taking the helm. The announcement sets the stage for France's upcoming campaign, which will commence with an away fixture in Türkiye on September 25. Zidane stated, "Cette liste est le fruit de beaucoup de travail et de réflexion depuis ma nomination," indicating a thorough process behind his decisions. The squad selection is a significant moment for the team as they prepare for international competition under new leadership, with Zidane's initial choices drawing considerable attention.
New Faces and Notable Absences
The squad features several new inclusions, with Estéban Lepaul, Maxence Lacroix, and Jérémy Jacquet receiving their first call-ups to the national team. These selections reflect what Zinédine Zidane described as "le fruit de beaucoup de travail et de réflexion depuis ma nomination" regarding his squad choices. Among the notable omissions, Zidane confirmed that he did not contact N’Golo Kanté prior to announcing his absence from the squad. This decision notes a clear break from previous selections. Additionally, Aurélien Tchouaméni will not join the team, remaining in Madrid to continue his recovery from injury, a strategic consideration to allow the midfielder to recuperate fully. Karim Benzema was also notably absent from the list, with Zidane indicating a desire to observe younger players in the forward's position. These decisions highlight a blend of fresh talent and strategic considerations for the upcoming international fixtures.
Nations League Fixtures and Squad Details
The French national team is scheduled to play four matches in the 2026-2027 Nations League. France has been placed in Group A1, a challenging pool alongside Italy, Belgium, and Turkey. Zinédine Zidane's squad for these fixtures consists of three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players, a standard composition for international duty. The team's campaign will kick off with an away fixture against Türkiye on September 25, providing an immediate test for the new squad. Following this, France will face Belgium away on September 28, a key early encounter in the group. The team will then return home to host Italy on October 2, before welcoming Belgium for a home match on October 5. The final two matches of their Nations League schedule will take place in November, with an away game in Italy on November 12, and a home fixture against Türkiye on November 15, concluding their group stage commitments.
Zidane's Vision and Coaching Staff
Kylian Mbappé will continue to serve as the captain under Zinédine Zidane’s leadership, a decision that maintains continuity in the squad's leadership structure. Zidane also named four vice-captains, though their identities were not disclosed at the time of the announcement. Regarding Mbappé's role, Zidane indicated that the forward possesses the versatility to "evolve on the left, right, or in the center," suggesting flexibility in his tactical deployment across the attacking line. Zidane emphasized his approach to squad selection, stating, "Cette liste est le fruit de beaucoup de travail et de réflexion depuis ma nomination." Furthermore, Zidane confirmed that he will not impose any specific dress code for players when they arrive at the Clairefontaine training facility, indicating a relaxed approach to off-field regulations. Fabien Barthez, a former international goalkeeper, has been chosen as the goalkeeping coach, bringing his extensive experience to the technical staff.
Coach's Stance and Player Comments
N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema were absent from the squad list, with Zinédine Zidane stating he wants to observe younger players regarding Benzema's selection, signaling a potential shift in focus for the team's attacking options. Zidane also appointed Fabien Barthez as goalkeeping coach and aims to better control images filmed inside Clairefontaine, emphasizing a desire for more privacy and focus within the training environment. The coach declined to comment on discussions surrounding the Ballon d'Or, choosing to keep the focus on the team's immediate objectives. Zidane refused to take a position on political issues, maintaining a neutral stance in his public remarks.