Kanté recalled by France for decisive World Cup qualifiers

France manager Didier Deschamps recalled World Cup winner N'Golo Kanté to a 24-player squad on Thursday as Les Bleus prepare for decisive World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine on November 13 at the Parc des Princes and Azerbaijan in Baku on November 16. A victory over Ukraine would secure France's place at the 2026 tournament in North America; failing that, the team would have a second chance three days later in Azerbaijan.

Kanté, 34, who plays for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, returns to the national side to help cover a string of injuries in midfield. He has 64 senior caps and last played for France in a goalless Nations League draw with Israel in November 2024. Deschamps said of the veteran midfielder, "He is at his best level," and added, "When I call him, it's not to make him feel he is part of the group, it's to give him an important role."

The recall comes as Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot are sidelined with injuries, and Paris Saint-Germain forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are also unavailable. Tchouaméni is carrying a left hamstring issue, officials said. Deschamps acknowledged the impact of those absences,...