Zidane unveils first France squad with five new faces for Nations League

Zinedine Zidane has begun his tenure as France head coach by naming a 23-man group that retains much of the side’s recent World Cup experience while opening the door to five senior newcomers for the 2026-27 Nations League.

A familiar core under a new manager

Fifteen members of France’s recent World Cup squad have been retained for Zidane’s first international window following his summer appointment as Didier Deschamps’ successor. Kylian Mbappé remains captain and leads a forward group also featuring Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Bayern Munich wide player Michael Olise.

The selection is France’s first step in League A, where they have been placed in a demanding group with Türkiye, Belgium and Italy. Zidane’s initial squad indicates that he wants continuity around the established leaders, but without delaying the reshaping of the team for the route towards Euro 2028.

Five uncapped players receive their opportunity

Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet is among the players called up for the first time. His inclusion comes with Arsenal centre-back William Saliba unavailable, creating an immediate change in the defensive options available to the new coach.

Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, Inter Milan full-back Andy Diouf, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes attacker Esteban Lepaul complete the uncapped contingent. Lepaul arrives after finishing as Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season, while Da Cunha has earned recognition for his work as a playmaker at Como.

The number of new faces is significant in the context of a first squad. Zidane has not simply brought in cover for absences; he has used the opening window to assess players who could become part of France’s longer-term structure.

Experienced internationals omitted

N’Golo Kanté, Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne have not been selected. Their exclusions, combined with Saliba’s absence, leave Zidane with a notably different defensive and midfield balance at the start of his reign.

France retain considerable depth, but the omissions show that past standing will not alone secure a place. The early focus appears to be on building competition for roles and settling a new tactical framework before the next major tournament cycle develops.

Opening Nations League schedule

1. France start the Zidane era away to Türkiye in Kocaeli next Friday.
2. The side then travel to Brussels to face Belgium on September 28.
3. Italy visit the Stade de France on October 2.
4. France conclude the sequence with a home rematch against Belgium on October 5.

Key takeaways from Zidane’s first selection

• Zidane has chosen 23 players, including 15 from the recent World Cup group.
• Mbappé continues as captain, with Dembélé and Olise among the leading attacking names.
• Jacquet, Restes, Diouf, Da Cunha and Lepaul are yet to make their senior France debuts.
• Saliba is unavailable, while Kanté, Hernandez and Digne have been left out.
• Türkiye, Belgium and Italy provide an immediate League A test for the new coaching staff.