Kante returns as France seek to clinch World Cup berth

Saudi Arabia-based veteran N’Golo Kante returns to the France squad to reinforce the injury-hit midfield for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Victory over Ukraine on 13 November at the Parc des Princes would ensure France’s qualification for the tournament in North America. If they fail, Les Bleus will have another opportunity against […]

Saudi Arabia-based veteran N’Golo Kante returns to the France squad to reinforce the injury-hit midfield for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Victory over Ukraine on 13 November at the Parc des Princes would ensure France’s qualification for the tournament in North America.

If they fail, Les Bleus will have another opportunity against Azerbaijan in Baku on 16 November.

With Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and AC Milan’s Adrien Rabiot both injured, coach Didier Deschamps recalled the 34-year-old Kante, who plays for Al-Ittihad, as a midfield option.

Kante’s last France appearance was against Israel in a Nations League group game on November 14, 2024.