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French team: the first big ones forgotten on Zinedine Zidane’s list

First for Jacquet, Da Cunha, Diouf, Lepaul and Restes, return for Truffert, Zinedine Zidane did not go easy on the

Published: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 10:42 AM
French team: the first big ones forgotten on Zinedine Zidane’s list
Key Things to Know
  • Zinedine Zidane omitted Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne, and Lucas Hernandez from his first France squad.
  • Guillaume Restes was selected at goalkeeper over Brice Samba after consultations with Fabien Barthez.
  • Aurelien Tchouameni remained in Madrid to recover his physical condition rather than joining the team.
The Story in 60 Seconds

France national team coach Zinedine Zidane has announced his first squad selection, introducing several newcomers including Guillaume Restes, Estéban Lepaul, and Adrien Truffert. The selection features high-profile omissions such as full-backs Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne, and Lucas Hernandez. In goal, Toulouse's Restes was chosen over Brice Samba, following consultations between Zidane and goalkeeper coach Fabien Barthez.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was left out to focus on his physical recovery in Madrid, while 35-year-old N'Golo Kante was also omitted as Zidane looks ahead over a four-year cycle. Additional absentees from the squad include Marcus Thuram, Maghnes Akliouche, Randal Kolo Muani, and the injured William Saliba.

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