Hugo Ekitike missed out on France's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Didier Deschamps handed a first senior call-up to Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche. Ekitike has scored three goals in three games for Liverpool after his move from Eintracht Frankfurt and had five goals in five under-21 appearances. Expectations had him tipped for a senior debut as France begin qualifying. Deschamps chose Akliouche based on his performances for Monaco and left Ekitike out on this occasion. Kylian Mbappe will captain France for matches against Ukraine in Poland and Iceland in Paris. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Aurelien Tchouameni were included, while Benjamin Pavard and Randal Kolo Muani were omitted.
Hugo Ekitike has missed out on France's squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers, but Didier Deschamps has handed a first call-up to Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche. Ekitike has made a bright start to life at Liverpool since his move from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring three goals in as many games this season. The 23-year-old, who scored five goals in five under-21s caps, was expected to make his senior international bow when France launch their qualifying campaign next week.
However, Deschamps has overlooked Ekitike on this occasion, but brought in Akliouche after impressing with his former club Monaco. Rentrée des classes pour nos Bleus Didier Deschamps a dévoilé sa liste des 23, avec la première de Maghnes Akliouche Cap désormais sur le début des qualifications à la Coupe du Monde 2026 !#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/kXfUnEOl5O - Equipe de France(@equipedefrance) August 27, 2025 Kylian Mbappe will lead Les Blues' charge when they travel to Poland to face Ukraine on September 5, before hosting Iceland in Paris four days later.
Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Aurelien Tchouameni are among the other big-hitters included by Deschamps, but the likes of Benjamin Pavard and Randal Kolo Muani drop out of the squad.
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