For Euro 2024, N’Golo Kanté had already made a comeback with the France team. Captain of the Blues during several matches of this competition in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, the midfielder had not been called up by Didier Deschamps since the elimination by Spain.
This Thursday, the French coach surprised by announcing a new return of the player from Al Ittihad Club (Saudi Arabia). The 34-year-old French international is part of
the list of the 24 elements summoned for the last two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
“I talk with him. He is at his best through the matches I see him play, he plays every 3-4 days. It is always potentially selectable, and the proof since it is selected. It must maintain itself, it has a status, an experience”explained Didier Deschampas at a press conference.
N’Golo Kanté, the surprising return to Blue
And the 1998 world champion continued: “When I call him, it’s to have a role, not just to be part of the team. Through what awaits us this match, which could be decisive, it is always in my head, in my thoughts. With the technical staff we follow him regularly. It’s always a pleasure for him to wear this jersey.”
N’Golo Kanté has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for three seasons now. For the 2025-2026 financial year, he played twelve matches in all competitions.
