UEFA Nations League 2026-27: Mbappe returns to Zidane’s France squad; Pagis earns maiden call-up

Kylian Mbappe returns after recovering from a knee injury, while Paris FC’s Pablo Pagis receives his first France call-up for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.

Updated : Nov 07, 2026 00:16 IST , CHENNAI - 3 MINS READ

File Image: Kylian Mbappe returns to Zinedine Zidane’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. | Photo Credit: AFP

France captain Kylian Mbappe has returned to the national squad for its upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey, while coach Zinedine Zidane handed Paris FC midfielder Pablo Pagis his maiden senior call-up on Friday.

Mbappe missed much of France’s previous international window after sustaining a knee injury during the 1-0 victory over Turkey on September 25, Zidane’s first match in charge.

The Real Madrid forward scored the winning goal in that encounter but subsequently missed France’s remaining three matches, which included two victories over Belgium and a draw against Italy.

The 27-year-old has since returned to club action, scoring eight goals in seven appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.

With Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul unavailable, Zidane has recalled Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram to strengthen his attacking options.

ALSO READ | Jobe Bellingham, Josh King called up to England squad by Tuchel

Pagis, 23, has earned his first senior international call-up following an impressive start to the season with Paris FC, which currently sits fourth in Ligue 1.

The attacking midfielder joined the Parisian club from Lorient and is the son of former Marseille forward Mickael Pagis, who also represented France in beach soccer under Eric Cantona.

In midfield, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni returns after missing the previous international window, replacing the injured Manu Kone.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Chelsea’s Malo Gusto are also included, with Jules Kounde and Maxence Lacroix unavailable.

France will face Italy in Milan on November 12 before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15 in its final two Nations League group-stage matches.

FRANCE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan/ITA), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool/ENG), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid/ESP), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER), Leny Yoro (Manchester United/ENG)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Da Cunha (Como/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool/ENG), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Pablo Pagis (Paris FC), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)