Sport
Zinedine Zidane Announces First France Squad as Head Coach
Zinedine Zidane has unveiled his debut France national team roster, featuring five new call-ups and significant changes from the 2026 World Cup squad.
According to Khaosod Online Thailand, Zinedine Zidane has officially begun his tenure as the head coach of the French national football team by announcing his first squad. The roster marks a notable departure from the group that competed in the 2026 World Cup, with several established players omitted from the selection.
Zidane’s debut list includes five players receiving their first-ever call-up to the national training camp, including Esteban Lepaul. While many veterans were left out—such as N'Golo Kanté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, William Saliba, and the Hernández brothers—the squad retains key attacking talent. Stars like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué remain part of the setup.
For residents and football enthusiasts in Thailand, this transition signals a major shift in the tactical direction of one of the world's top teams. The exclusion of high-profile names like Marcus Thuram and Jean-Philippe Mateta suggests that Zidane is prioritizing a fresh approach to the squad's composition. Fans should monitor upcoming friendly matches to see how these new faces integrate into the team’s structure. It remains to be confirmed how these personnel changes will impact France's performance in upcoming international fixtures and whether this roster represents a permanent shift in the team's core philosophy.