Overview
- Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 28, earns his first senior call-up after strong club form and a standout 2024 Olympic campaign.
- Christopher Nkunku returns to the national team as Didier Deschamps refreshes his forward options.
- Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike is included after being forced off in Istanbul, with his club manager saying his weekend status remains to be seen.
- France are without several regular attackers due to injuries or limited minutes, including Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.
- Top of Group D with two wins, France host Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes on Oct. 10 before visiting Iceland in Reykjavík on Oct. 13.