French-Guinean Paul Pogba keeps World Cup ambition at distance after long-awaited return to football

Paul Pogba says any hope of returning to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup depends entirely on his performances for AS Monaco.

The midfielder made his first competitive appearance in more than two years during Saturday’s 4-1 defeat away to Rennes, marking a significant moment in a career halted by lengthy absence from the game.

Born to Guinean parents but capped for France, Pogba stressed that international discussion remains premature.

His comeback was limited to a brief substitute appearance, yet it represented an important milestone as Monaco gradually reintegrate the 32-year-old into top-level football.

The club has managed his workload cautiously and remains focused on restoring full match fitness before expanding his responsibilities.

Pogba acknowledged that featuring at the next World Cup is a distant prospect and depends on meeting demanding conditions. H

“It’s a long way off. Right now, I’m really focused on getting fit, truly getting back into shape to help the team.

“If I’m not fit, if I play poorly, if I don’t perform at Monaco, then the French national team is out of the question. So it’s very, very far away, and for now, I’m only thinking about Monaco.”

His return was greeted with measured optimism inside the club, which views the next weeks as critical in assessing durability and rhythm.

Monaco intend to avoid rushing the process and are expected to increase his minutes gradually across domestic fixtures.