Hugo Ekitike Earns Maiden France Call-Up for September World Cup Qualifiers

Key Takeaways:

• Hugo Ekitike was selected for the France national squad for the first time, replacing the injured Rayan Cherki
• Ekitike registered three goals in his first three matches at Liverpool since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt last month
• France are due to face Ukraine in Wrocław on 5 September and will host Iceland four days later

Ekitike Receives First National Team Selection Following Impressive Liverpool Start

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has been called up to represent France for the first time in next month’s World Cup qualifiers, taking the spot of the injured Rayan Cherki, according to the French Football Federation.

The inclusion comes after Cherki, who signed for Manchester City this June from Lyon, was ruled out for two weeks because of a thigh muscle injury sustained during a training session. France’s head coach Didier Deschamps opted to draft in Ekitike, who had not previously featured for Les Bleus but has made an immediate impact at Liverpool.

Didier Deschamps a dû acter le forfait de Rayan Cherki (déchirure du quadriceps).

Pour le remplacer, le sélectionneur a décidé de convoquer Hugo Ekitike !#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/3CSwWxjGq6

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) August 31, 2025

Strong Early Season Form Recognised by Deschamps

Despite being left out of the original squad due to fierce competition in the attacking ranks, the 23-year-old Ekitike forced his way into contention after a prolific start to his Liverpool career. Ekitike, who joined the Premier League champions from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, has already found the net three times in as many appearances, as reported by Reuters.

Fixtures and Injury Update

France’s upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign sees them take on Ukraine in Wrocław, Poland, on 5 September, followed by a home fixture against Iceland four days later. Cherki, who missed Manchester City’s recent 2-1 defeat to Brighton due to the thigh injury, will be unavailable for Deschamps’ selection during this period.