Zidane announces first France squad with several notable absences
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 6:25 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
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.
- •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.
- 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 🥶
"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...
"Zinedine Zidane started building the France team of the future by picking several new faces on Friday when naming his first squad since taking charge.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 18, 2026, 7:13 PMZidane picks new-look 1st France squad; calls time on Benzema, Kanté
Zinedine Zidane started building the France team of the future by picking several new faces on Friday when naming his first squad since taking charge.
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 5:01 PMThe big losers from Zidane's first squad 🥶
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...
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:46 PMConfirmed team news: Andrews makes two changes for west London derby
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:44 PMBrentford and Chelsea kick off Premier League weekend's action
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:30 PMLeeds United v Newcastle United: Premier League – live
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:15 PMChelsea’s big weakness primed to be exploited by Brentford speedster
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:06 PMBrentford vs Chelsea build-up LIVE on Sky!
EPL•Sep 18, 2026, 5:05 PMThomas Tuchel drops Chelsea injury news bomb on matchday