Key Takeaways:
- Didier Deschamps named his France squad for the October international break
- Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has earned his first senior call-up to Les Bleus
- France will host Azerbaijan on Friday, 10 October, before travelling to Reykjavík to play Iceland the following Monday
Deschamps Unveils Adjusted France Squad
Didier Deschamps has announced the France squad for the upcoming October international fixtures as Les Bleus look to extend their flawless run in 2026 World Cup qualification. Last month, the French side secured victories over Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1) in their opening Group D matches. Their upcoming assignments see them welcoming Azerbaijan on Friday, 10 October, followed by a trip to Reykjavík to take on Iceland the subsequent Monday.
💙 They’ll be wearing the France shirt for the upcoming October international window! Here is Didier Deschamps’ squad list 📋
Notably, a first call-up for Jean-Philippe Mateta 🫡#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/8swaDJgtqu
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) October 2, 2025
Injury Absences Lead to New Faces
Deschamps faced multiple selection dilemmas due to injuries ruling out Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, Randal Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram. With only Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike available as established centre-forwards, the manager has handed Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta his debut call-up to the senior national team.
Midfield and Defensive Updates
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni has been omitted following a two-match UEFA suspension. His absence paves the way for Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga to rejoin the squad for the first time since the Nations League quarter-final against Croatia.
At the back, Arsenal defender William Saliba has returned after his recent contract renewal and recovery from an ankle injury, resuming his place ahead of Marseille’s Benjamin Pavard.
Full France Squad for October International Break
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Lucas Chevalier | PSG |
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan | |
| Brice Samba | Rennes | |
| Defenders | Lucas Digne | Aston Villa |
| Malo Gusto | Chelsea | |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | |
| Jules Koundé | Barcelona | |
| L. Hernandez | PSG | |
| T. Hernandez | Al-Hilal | |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | |
| Midfielders | Eduardo Camavinga | Real Madrid |
| Manu Koné | Roma | |
| Michael Olise | Bayern Munich | |
| Adrien Rabiot | Milan | |
| Khephren Thuram | Juventus | |
| Forwards | Maghnes Akliouche | Monaco |
| Bradley Barcola | PSG | |
| Kingsley Coman | Al-Nassr | |
| Hugo Ekitike | Liverpool | |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Crystal Palace | |
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | |
| Christopher Nkunku | Milan |
