It is Wednesday August 27 (at 2 p.m.) that Didier Deschamps gives his group for the beginnings of the French team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Blues cannot be missed against Ukraine, the outsider of the group, Friday September 5 during a match relocated to Poland, then against Iceland, Tuesday 9 at the Parc des Princes (which is for the moment the home of the tricolor. France).
A new center-forward could land in the “La Dèche” group since Randal Kolo Muani, a must for the selection, has not started its season. The attacker loaned to Juventus during the first six months of the year stayed in the waiting room at PSG and, if a final departure for the old lady could be released in the coming days (a loan of 10 million euros with a purchase obligation of 45 million), he should be deemed unfit by the tricolor staff.
It is towards England that Deschamps could well turn in two weeks to choose between two fit attackers. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Hugo Ekitiké clashed during the Community Shield won by Crystal Palace in front of Liverpool on penalties, a little over a week ago in Wembley. Ekitike launched hostilities by opening the scoring in the 4th minute, but Mateta did not tremble when equalizing on a penalty and transforming his shot to the goal.
Mateta dropped by Ekitike?
Silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the French team of Thierry Henry, Mateta has a very special profile. He is a 1.92 m pivot attacker, generous in effort and excellent for the collective. A kind of giroud. He did not spare his efforts last season and struck 17 times in 46 games. Ekitike, he has soared (22 goals, 13 assists), but it was in Frankfurt, in a Bundesliga even more open than PL.
Hugo Ekitike, recruited 80 million euros by the Reds (pending 15 as a bonus), won from the point of the tip of the attack on the Champions of England, by integrating into the collective of Arne Slot in addition to being successful, with a goal of entry into the championship against Bournemouth on Friday. Sunday against CHELESA, Jean-Philippe Mateta was muzzled by Josh Acheampong, 19-year-old defender, during a disappointing 0-0.
