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League: Serie ASport: SoccerCountry: FranceCategory: Scores & Results

Zidane announces first France squad with several notable absences

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 8:00 PM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

Zidane announces first France squad with several notable absences
Summary

Zinédine Zidane revealed his first squad as head coach of the France national team on September 18, 2026. The selection saw multiple changes and omissions, including notable players like Brice Samba, Lucas and Théo Hernandez, and Marcus Thuram. Zidane's choices reflect a strategy favoring youth and new talent, as seen with the inclusion of younger players in key positions. Some veterans may now be on the fringes of the team, raising questions about their future with Les Bleus. The focus will now shift to how these selections impact the team's performance in upcoming matches.

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Status Watch
  • •Zidane unveiled his first France squad on September 18, 2026.
  • •Notable absences include Brice Samba and the Hernandez brothers.
  • •Marcus Thuram did not make the final cut despite past contributions.
  • •Zidane is prioritizing youth with several new faces in the squad.
  • •The squad selection indicates potential changes in future team dynamics.
Latest Updates
  • 1:56 AMYahoo Sports — Zidane gets down to work as France start new era
  • 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Juventus star makes first Zinedine Zidane France squad despite surprise omissions
  • 7:13 PMESPN Soccer — Zidane picks new-look 1st France squad; calls time on Benzema, Kanté
  • 5:01 PMYahoo Sports — The big losers from Zidane's first squad 🥶
What they're saying
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Zinedine Zidane spent years patiently waiting in the wings for his chance to manage France and on Friday the successor to Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus will lead the side out for the first time in a UEFA Nations League tie in Turkey.Les Bleus face Turkey and Belgium away before Zidane makes his home bow at the Stade de France on October 2 against Italy, an occasion that will stir memories of Materazzi and 2006. as/mw

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Zinedine Zidane has sprung several surprises in his first France squad as he begins a new era as manager of the national team, with Pierre Kalulu included in the group.Although Zidane named the likes ...

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Absences that already say a lot?This Friday afternoon, Zinédine Zidane unveiled his very first squad as head coach of the France national team.It featured plenty of changes, with new faces but also s...

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