Hugo Ekitike maintains place in France squad for 2026 World Cup qualifier

France international of Cameroonian descent Hugo Ekitike is expected to be included in the Les Blues squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The European giants returns to action in October for the continuation of the World Cup qualifiers and are expected to host Azerbaijan on Friday, October 10, before taking on Iceland at Reykjavik, three days later.

The Les Bleus are currently top of their Group D after defeating Ukraine and Iceland, and are bent on securing positive results next month.

Ekitike, who has been in a fine form for Liverpool this season is expected to get a call up for the second consecutive time, having earned his maiden invite in September.

The former Frankfurt star earned a late call up to replace Rayan Cherki, who picked up an injury prior to the matches in early September.

Ekitike made a good impression during his first stint with France, and is set to be awarded with another invite.

France manager Didier Deschamps will announce his latest squad on Thursday, with Ekitike maintaining his place in the squad.

Meanwhile, France will miss the services of Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni through suspension, while Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Additionally, PSG youngster Désiré Doué and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki are expected to miss the October international break.