French-Malian midfielder N’Golo Kante earns Les Bleus recall for World Cup qualifiers

France head coach Didier Deschamps has recalled former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, marking his first call-up in a year.

Born in France to Malian parents, Kante has long been celebrated for his tireless work ethic and leadership.

His return strengthens a French midfield depleted by injuries ahead of two crucial qualifying fixtures.

The 34-year-old, who now plays for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, last featured for France in a goalless Nations League draw against Israel in November 2024, a match he captained.

He was omitted from Deschamps’ squad for the Nations League finals and missed previous World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

Kante has been a consistent performer for Al Ittihad this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions for the reigning Saudi champions. He remains one of France’s most experienced internationals with 64 senior caps.

Since debuting in 2016, Kante has been central to France’s modern success, helping the team win the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, while finishing runners-up at Euro 2016.

He also featured in last year’s European Championship, where France reached the semi-finals.

Kante joins fellow Saudi-based player Theo Hernandez of Al Hilal in the squad, underlining Deschamps’ willingness to select players competing outside Europe’s top leagues.

The midfielder’s illustrious club career includes two Premier League titles—one with Leicester City in 2016 and another with Chelsea a year later—alongside a Champions League triumph with the London club in 2021.

Deschamps also recalled Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani after injury layoffs, while Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta retained his place following his debut in October.

France lead Group D of UEFA World Cup qualifying with 10 points, three ahead of Ukraine.

They host Ukraine on November 13 before traveling to Azerbaijan three days later. The group winners will automatically book their place at next summer’s World Cup.

France squad for November fixtures

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), Manu Kone (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).