Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has recalled captain Kylian Mbappé to the national team squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey, while Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis has received his first senior international call-up.
Zidane announced a 23-man squad on Friday, November 6, 2026, ahead of France’s final two group-stage fixtures of the year.
The selection marks Mbappé’s return after the Real Madrid forward was forced to leave France’s September international camp because of a knee injury sustained during the Nations League match against Turkey.
Pagis, meanwhile, is the notable newcomer in the squad after impressing sufficiently to earn his first opportunity with the senior national team.
France will travel to Milan to face Italy on November 12 before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15. Both matches could prove important in determining the team’s final position in its Nations League group and its qualification for the knockout stage.
Mbappé Returns After September Knee Injury
Mbappé’s inclusion is one of the major talking points from Zidane’s latest selection.
The France captain suffered a knee injury during the team’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Turkey on September 25. He scored the winning goal before experiencing discomfort and eventually leaving the pitch in the second half.
Reuters reported at the time that the 27-year-old forward was withdrawn after receiving treatment and that France’s medical team decided against taking further risks with his fitness.
The French Football Federation described the problem as a knee tendon injury, while Zidane indicated that the player would return to Real Madrid for further assessment.
His absence from the subsequent international matches meant France had to continue its Nations League campaign without one of its most influential attacking players.
His return to the squad is therefore an important development for the national team as it approaches the final fixtures of the group stage.
However, being selected does not automatically guarantee that Mbappé will start both matches. His involvement will depend on his physical condition, training progress and the technical decisions of the coaching staff.
Pablo Pagis Receives First France Senior Call-Up
The inclusion of Pablo Pagis is another significant feature of the squad announcement.
The Paris FC forward has earned his first call-up to the senior France national team, providing him with an opportunity to make his international debut.
His selection represents an important moment in his career, particularly as he joins a squad containing established international players and some of Europe’s most recognisable footballers.
Pagis is among the attacking options selected by Zidane for the two upcoming fixtures.
French media reports indicated that his inclusion was linked to the absence of Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who was unavailable because of injury.
The call-up gives Pagis an opportunity to demonstrate his ability at international level and compete for a place in the team’s attacking plans.
Whether he makes his debut against Italy or Turkey will depend on Zidane’s selection decisions during the November camp.
Zidane Makes Several Changes to the Squad
Beyond Mbappé’s return and Pagis’ first call-up, Zidane has also brought back several players who were absent from previous selections.
Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram returns to the squad, while Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and defender Ibrahima Konaté are also included.
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has been recalled, while Warren Zaïre-Emery returns to the group.
The selection reflects Zidane’s effort to maintain the foundation of the squad while responding to injuries and availability concerns ahead of the final two fixtures.
Several players remain unavailable because of injuries, including Ousmane Dembélé, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Maxence Lacroix, Manu Koné, Maghnes Akliouche and Estéban Lepaul.
The absences mean the coach must balance experience, squad depth and the need to maintain consistency during a decisive stage of the competition.
Full List of France Players Selected by Zidane
The 23 players named by Zidane are:
Goalkeepers
- Mike Maignan – AC Milan
- Guillaume Restes – Toulouse
- Robin Risser – RC Lens
Defenders
- Andy Diouf – Inter Milan
- Malo Gusto – Chelsea
- Jérémy Jacquet – Liverpool
- Pierre Kalulu – Juventus
- Ibrahima Konaté – Real Madrid
- Adrien Truffert – Bournemouth
- Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich
- Leny Yoro – Manchester United
Midfielders
- Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
- Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
- Lucas Da Cunha – Como
- Adrien Rabiot – Juventus
- Aurélien Tchouaméni – Real Madrid
- Warren Zaïre-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain
Forwards
- Bradley Barcola – Liverpool
- Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain
- Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
- Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
- Pablo Pagis – Paris FC
- Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan
The selection combines experienced international players with younger footballers who are being given opportunities to establish themselves in the national team.
France Faces Important Tests Against Italy and Turkey
France’s next assignment will be an away encounter against Italy at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan on Thursday, November 12.
The match will be followed by a home fixture against Turkey at the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15.
Both games are part of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A1 campaign.
France enters the November international window in a strong position after collecting 10 points from its opening four matches.
Italy sits second with seven points, while Belgium has six points. Turkey occupies fourth place without a point from its first four fixtures.
The standings underline the importance of the meeting between France and Italy, as both sides seek to strengthen their positions before the group stage concludes.
According to the published competition schedule, France needs only one additional point to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
A positive result in Milan could therefore confirm the French team’s progression, depending on the wider group standings and applicable competition rules.
Zidane’s Second Squad Since Taking Charge
The November selection is Zidane’s second squad announcement since he became France’s head coach in July 2026.
His appointment marked the beginning of a new period for the national team, with the former France captain taking responsibility for guiding the side through the Nations League campaign and the wider international cycle.
His first selection in September introduced several players to the senior setup, including Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Guillaume Restes and Estéban Lepaul.
The latest squad suggests that Zidane is continuing to assess different options while retaining a strong core of established players.
His decisions will attract attention because of his reputation as one of France’s most successful former footballers and his previous experience managing elite players at club level.
The November matches will provide another opportunity to assess the direction of his team, particularly as France approaches the decisive stages of the competition.
Why the Squad Announcement Matters
The return of Mbappé offers France an important attacking option at a time when the team is approaching two demanding fixtures.
His goalscoring record, movement and ability to create opportunities make him a central figure in the national team’s plans.
At the same time, Pagis’ inclusion highlights the importance of developing new options within the French squad.
International teams must continually balance established stars with emerging players, particularly when injuries affect selection.
For Pagis, the call-up could become a defining moment if he makes his debut and establishes himself as a potential option for future competitions.
For Zidane, the two matches will test his ability to manage a squad affected by injuries while maintaining France’s strong position in Group A1.
The fixtures will also provide an opportunity to measure the team’s progress under his leadership against two different opponents with their own ambitions in the competition.
What Happens Next?
France will begin its preparations on Monday, November 9, at the national football centre in Clairefontaine, according to French media reports.
The team will then travel to Italy for the November 12 encounter in Milan before returning to France for the match against Turkey three days later.
Attention will focus on Mbappé’s physical condition, Pagis’ potential debut and Zidane’s tactical decisions for the two fixtures.
France’s immediate objective is to secure the points needed to confirm its place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
For supporters, the November international window will offer an opportunity to see whether Zidane’s team can maintain its strong group position while integrating returning players and new faces.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- French Football Federation
- UEFA
- Reuters
- Le Monde
- beIN SPORTS
- 20 Minutes
