France manager Didier Deschamps has named his 23-man France squad for the crucial October international window as Les Bleus prepare to face Azerbaijan (October 10) and Iceland (October 13). With France unbeaten in the early stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Group D, this window offers an opportunity to consolidate top spot and build momentum heading into the final phase of qualification.
The selection balances world-class experience with younger talents pushing for regular minutes — a squad built to control games but also to adapt quickly when opponents force transitions.
On paper, the France National Soccer Team roster reads like a textbook blend of stability and versatility: a goalkeeper line-up comfortable under pressure, a backline capable of playing a high defensive line or sitting deep as required, midfielders who can both protect and create, and forwards who combine clever movement with finishing prowess.
Deschamps appears to have prioritised tactical flexibility — players who can slot into a compact 4-3-3, switch to a three-man midfield for control, or exploit wide areas when a more expansive approach is needed. Expect clear minutes for established starters while the bench offers tactical specialists to change the game after half-time.
The stakes are high: every point matters in a tightly contested European group, and these October fixtures could determine whether France secures qualification early or is drawn into a nervy finish.
Key factors to watch include set-piece execution, midfield control in the opening 20 minutes, and whether emerging talents can deliver match-winning moments on the big stage. Scroll down for the full squad, player notes, and our predicted XIs for both matches.
Full France Squad for October 2025 World Cup Qualifiers
Table of Contents
Goalkeepers (3)
- Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain) – First call-up
- Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
- Brice Samba (Stade Rennais)
Defenders (8)
- William Saliba (Arsenal) – Returns from injury
- Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)
- Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
- Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal)
- Lucas Hernández (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
- Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)
- Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
Midfielders (5)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) – Returns to the squad
- Manu Koné (AS Roma)
- Khéphren Thuram (Juventus)
- Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Forwards (7)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Captain
- Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Kingsley Coman (Al-Nassr)
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) – First senior call-up
- Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan)
- Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco)
Key Squad Changes and Notable Inclusions
First-Time Call-ups
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): The 27-year-old striker receives his first senior France call-up after impressive Premier League performances. Deschamps praised his “profile and ability to score”.
- Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain): The 23-year-old goalkeeper gets his maiden call-up to the senior squad.
Notable Returns
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid): Returns for the first time since the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): Back after missing the previous international break due to ankle injury. The defender recently extended his contract with Arsenal.
High-Profile Absences
- Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid): Suspended for two matches following his red card.
- Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan): Withdrew due to hamstring injury sustained in Champions League action, replaced by Mateta.
- Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain): Out with injury.
- Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain): Sidelined due to injury.
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Injured.
- Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham): Not selected.
Manager’s Justification for Key Selections
Christopher Nkunku’s Inclusion
Despite limited playing time at AC Milan since his summer transfer, Deschamps defended Nkunku’s inclusion: “He hasn’t been spared by injuries. He has very interesting potential, and I’m convinced of his talent. His playing time is limited at the moment because of his club change, but I trust him”.
Deschamps drew parallels with Olivier Giroud’s situation at Chelsea: “When Giroud was at Chelsea, it was very complicated, but that didn’t stop him from being important for us”.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Debut
With several forwards injured, Deschamps turned to Mateta for his scoring ability: “Long-term absences force me and my staff to reflect. Mateta has been called up for his profile and ability to score”.
Current World Cup Qualification Standings
France leads Group D with a perfect record after two matches:
| Position | Team | Points | Matches Played | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 6 | 2 | +3 |
| 2 | Ukraine | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Iceland | 3 | 2 | -1 |
| 4 | Azerbaijan | 0 | 2 | -2 |
Recent Results:
- France 2-1 Iceland (September 9, 2025)
- France 2-0 Ukraine (September 5, 2025)
Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Context
Match Schedule
- France vs Azerbaijan: October 10, 2025 – Stade de France, Paris (8:45 PM CET)
- Iceland vs France: October 13, 2025 – Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík (6:00 PM local time)
Squad Depth Analysis
Despite several key absences, France maintains impressive squad depth:
- Goalkeeping: Strong options with Maignan as #1, supported by experienced Samba and promising Chevalier.
- Defense: Solid backline with Arsenal’s Saliba returning alongside Liverpool’s Konaté and Bayern’s Upamecano.
- Midfield: Creative options with Camavinga’s return providing Real Madrid quality alongside Roma’s Koné.
- Attack: Led by captain Mbappé, with emerging talents like Barcola and experienced options in Coman.
PSG Representation
Paris Saint-Germain has three players in the squad:
- Lucas Chevalier (Goalkeeper) – First call-up
- Lucas Hernández (Defender)
- Bradley Barcola (Forward)
This represents continued investment in French talent by the Parisian club.
Deschamps’ Future Plans
The manager has confirmed he will leave his position when his contract expires after the 2026 World Cup, making this qualification campaign particularly significant for his legacy with Les Bleus.
Serie A Influence
The squad features four Serie A-based players:
- Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
- Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
- Khéphren Thuram (Juventus)
- Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan)
- Manu Koné (AS Roma)
This reflects the continued appeal of Italian football for French internationals.
France enters these crucial qualifying matches as favourites to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. With a blend of experienced stars like Mbappé and emerging talents like Mateta earning their first call-ups, Deschamps has assembled a squad capable of maintaining their perfect start to the qualification campaign.
The October international window represents a crucial step toward securing automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America, as France looks to build on their runner-up finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
