Key Takeaways:
- Randal Kolo Muani was withdrawn from the France squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers after sustaining a lower jaw fracture during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Saturday
- Florian Thauvin has been selected as Kolo Muani’s replacement
- France, currently topping Group D with 10 points from four matches, will face Ukraine at home on Thursday and travel to Azerbaijan three days later
Injury Blow for Kolo Muani and France
Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani has been ruled out of France’s World Cup qualifying campaign this month after suffering a jaw fracture during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, as announced by the French Football Federation. The striker was substituted at halftime in the match. Although Spurs manager Thomas Frank initially described the problem as “nothing serious” further examinations revealed a fracture of the lower jaw for the 26-year-old.
Sidelined with a jaw injury during yesterday’s match against Manchester United, Randal Kolo Muani is unable to join the squad.
🔄 He is replaced by @FlorianThauvin!#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/OkjwiBKfFQ
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 9, 2025
Squad Changes and New Call-Up
In response to the injury, Lens winger Florian Thauvin has received a call-up to replace Kolo Muani in the squad. The French Football Federation statement confirmed, “The Tottenham striker sustained a lower jaw injury on Saturday against Manchester United. After consultation with doctor Frank Le Gal, Didier Deschamps confirmed that Kolo Muani will not be part of the squad.”
France’s Current Campaign and Squad Situation
Kolo Muani, who has netted 9 goals in 31 international appearances, had received his first call-up to the national team since June, following absences from Didier Deschamps’ previous two squads. France also remain without Paris Saint-Germain duo Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé due to injury concerns. The reigning 2018 world champions are sitting atop Group D with 10 points from four matches.
| Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| France | 10 | 4 |
France host Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Thursday, before travelling to Azerbaijan three days later. With a victory over Ukraine, France could confirm their participation in next year’s World Cup in North America.
