Rayan Cherki returns to France squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine, Azerbaïjan

France forward of Algerian descent Rayan Cherki has returned to the Les Bleus squad for the upcomign 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaïjan this month.

The Manchester City attacker returns to the national setup after being left out of the previous international window.

His inclusion comes as France aim to secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

Cherki’s call-up was first hinted at by AfricaSoccer earlier in the week before head coach Didier Deschamps officially announced his squad for the November international break on Thursday afternoon.

Les Bleus will host Ukraine on Thursday, November 13, before traveling to Baku to face Azerbaijan three days later. France currently top Group D, having beaten Azerbaijan 3–0 and drawn 2–2 with Iceland in last month’s fixtures.

Deschamps was forced to make several changes to his squad due to injuries to key players including Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué. In their absence, Al-Ittihad midfielder N’Golo Kanté and PSG youngster Warren Zaïre-Emery have both been recalled.

Randal Kolo Muani also returns to the fold after regaining fitness, while Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta keeps his place following impressive recent performances.

A victory over Ukraine would be enough to guarantee France’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Below is the full squad announced by Didier Deschamps

Goalkeepers:

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

Defenders:

Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), L. Hernandez (PSG), T. Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders:

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-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 Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).