World Cup 2026: Aurélien Tchouaméni fit for France’s semi-final

Didier Deschamps confirms midfielder is available again after missing France’s last two matches through injury

France have received a timely boost ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain after head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Aurélien Tchouaméni is available for selection.

The Real Madrid midfielder has recovered sufficiently from injury and is back in contention for Tuesday’s last-four meeting, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT.

Tchouaméni missed France’s previous two knockout matches after suffering a muscle injury to his adductors.

The 26-year-old was unavailable for Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16 and their 2-0 quarter-final win against Morocco as the coaching staff opted not to risk aggravating the injury.

Speaking before the semi-final, Deschamps explained why the midfielder had not featured against the Atlas Lions despite nearing his return.

“The risk was too high (against Morocco). He is better. We cannot say that he is 100% recovered. Today, he is available again,” the France coach told a press conference.

Injury concern eases before Spain test

Tchouaméni’s return comes at an important stage of the tournament, with France preparing to face Spain for a place in the World Cup final.

Although the midfielder has not fully recovered, Deschamps believes he is fit enough to return to the squad after missing the previous two fixtures.

The France manager had previously decided against selecting him against Morocco because of concerns over the possibility of a relapse.

Instead of taking that risk, the coaching staff continued with a midfield pairing that had already impressed during the knockout rounds.

With the injury concern now easing, Tchouaméni gives France another experienced option as preparations continue for the semi-final.

France gain another midfield option

During Tchouaméni’s absence, Manu Koné partnered Adrien Rabiot in central midfield.

The pair featured in victories over Paraguay and Morocco as France progressed to the final four of the competition.

Now, Deschamps has an additional selection decision to make after confirming the Real Madrid player is once again available.

Whether Tchouaméni returns to the starting line-up or begins the match among the substitutes, his recovery provides greater flexibility for the France coach ahead of one of the team’s biggest fixtures of the tournament.

France enter the semi-final seeking another appearance in the World Cup final, and the availability of one of their first-choice midfielders offers an important boost before facing Spain.

While Deschamps acknowledged that Tchouaméni is not yet completely recovered, he made it clear that the midfielder has overcome the stage where injury ruled him out of selection.

That means France will travel into Tuesday’s decisive encounter with another experienced international ready to contribute if called upon.