What if Théo Hernandez was reaffirming his legitimacy for the 2026 World Cup with the Blues? Arriving last summer in the Saudi Pro League, Théo Hernandez quickly established himself as one of Al-Hilal’s strong men. Often criticized during his time at AC Milan for his irregularity and his temperament, the French left-back has completely changed dimensions in his new club. With 9 goals and 4 assists in all competitions, he displays very solid statistics for an attacking full-back and has established himself as an indisputable starter in Simone Inzaghi’s system.
His influence was further confirmed this Friday during the Saudi Arabian Cup final, where he was decisive in a tight match. In a match where Al-Hilal had to respond to Al-Kholood’s opener before regaining the advantage, he offered the decisive goal just before the break with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the area, allowing his team to win a new title (1-2). Then released with an injury in the 83rd minute after discomfort, he still finished as a hero for Al-Hilal.
In addition, this good performance reinforces his weight in the perspective of the rest of his international career. Regular, decisive and now present in important moments, even in a championship less exposed to the media, Théo Hernandez arrives in a solid dynamic as the 2026 World Cup approaches. In a context where his legitimacy in the French team is sometimes discussed, but generally reinforced by the absence of real competition installed in his position, his performances in Saudi Arabia could weigh in the choices of Didier Deschamps. The left back is thus moving towards the World Cup, drawing on his experience with the French team.
What status for Théo Hernandez this summer?
If some were calling for an opening for Matthieu Udol after his very good season at RC Lens, the hypothesis of a first call-up to the French team seems very compromised a few weeks before the 2026 World Cup. Asked about the construction of the list last April, Guy Stéphan, assistant to Didier Deschamps, also gave a fairly clear speech: “now, a list is decided until the last days. “You should never say never but I don’t think a player who has never been selected with us could be in the game”. An outing which clearly cools speculation around profiles never tested in the selection, and which logically refocuses the debate around players already established in the group.
Indeed, there is very little doubt about the presence of Théo Hernandez in the list for the 2026 World Cup. Part of the French team since 2021, the left back already has 42 selections and remains a step ahead in the hierarchy despite certain discussions around his status. If his place in the group seems certain, the question of the holder remains more open, particularly given the rise in power of Lucas Digne at Aston Villa, author of a solid season and regularly performing well in the Premier League, with the added bonus of qualifying for the Europa League final. Ferland Mendy, for his part, has never really been an option for Didier Deschamps and is still hampered by his injuries. In this remote duel, the left-back position therefore remains one of the last real debates to be decided before the World Cup.
A long-distance duel with Lucas Digne
For the moment, playing time between Lucas Digne and Théo Hernandez remains shared. Indeed, the former Real Madrid player started against Brazil (1-2) during the last meeting, while it was Lucas Digne who started against Colombia (1-3) during the same international window. An alternation which still maintains the vagueness around the status of holder. Furthermore, the latest Deschamps lists also suggest another option with Lucas Hernandez, regularly called up and who also makes good starts with PSG. In a more defensive context, he can represent a credible alternative to the left-back position, a role he knows well, particularly since the 2018 World Cup. This further complicates the coach’s choices.
“Digne is solid defensively and he performs well on crosses and free kicks. He really has a very good left foot. He showed it against Italy for example. The two do not have the same profile. Even if Théo (Hernandez) has made progress in the defensive phase, he is a player who projects more. I had to distribute playing time, but there is healthy competition. When we call on Lucas for the French team, he responds every time”explained Guy Stéphan in the columns of West Franceenough to suggest that Lucas Digne has, despite everything, a slight head start. As a reminder, Didier Deschamps will announce his official list on May 14, during the 8 p.m. TF1.
