France squad: Zidane recalls Tchouameni and names surprise debutant for Nations League tests

Zinedine Zidane has named his second France squad since becoming head coach, with Pablo Pages receiving his first senior call-up and Aurelien Tchouameni returning for decisive Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.

France travel to Italy on 12 November 2026 before hosting Turkey on 15 November. The two matches will decide qualification for the quarter-finals of the competition, with France needing only a draw to secure their place in the next round.

Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, has had to make several changes because of a lengthy injury list. William Saliba of Arsenal, Jules Kounde of Barcelona, Maxence Lacroix of Chelsea, Manu Kone of Roma, Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain and Esteban Lepaul of Rennes are all unavailable.

Dayot Upamecano is also suspended for the Milan fixture against Italy, further reducing Zidane’s defensive options. The France manager has therefore turned to a mixture of new faces and returning players.

Tchouameni’s recall strengthens the midfield, while Malo Gusto has been selected to cover for the injured Kounde. Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet and Lucas Da Cunha have also been included in a 23-man squad.

France will look to Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise for attacking output, with Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue also selected. Marcus Thuram returns to the group, while Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaire-Emery and Tchouameni make up the midfield options alongside the other members of the squad.

France lead Group A with 10 points. Italy are second on seven points, ahead of third-placed Belgium on six, while Turkey are bottom without a point.

France squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens)

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konate (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 (Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Pablo Pages (Paris FC), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)