Overview

• Didier Deschamps confirmed Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first senior selection for World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on October 10 and Iceland on October 13.
• Deschamps said the choice reflects a shortage of available No 9s and highlighted Mateta’s profile after his standout 2024 Olympic campaign.
• AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku has been recalled, with Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki sidelined by injury.
• Hugo Ekitike and Kylian Mbappé remain the recognised centre-forward options in a forward group reshaped by absences.
• Eduardo Camavinga returns to midfield with Aurélien Tchouaméni suspended, while Maghnes Akliouche and Hugo Ekitike keep their places from last month.