France’s team player Didier Deschamps is expected to announce the list of 23 players selected for the first two qualifying days at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, August 27. These crucial matches will start with a trip to Wroclaw, Poland, on September 5 against Ukraine, followed by a home game against Iceland at Princes Park on September 9. The announcement of this list takes place one week from the traditional date, and the French midfielder seems currently in difficulty to stay there.

Fields have been struggling to find stability in the game since the Euro 2024, and two recent events could force it to reconsider its choices. The setting aside and possible departure of Adrien Rabiot from the Olympique de Marseille, following his altercation with Jonathan Rowe and the general fight involving Mattéo Guendouzi in Greece with the Lazio de Rome, could free up a spot in the middle of the field. This situation offers new perspectives for Corentin Tolisso, the new captain of Olympique Lyonnais, who could potentially regain his place in the French team four years after his last selection.

However, despite a strong season and a promising current form, Tolisso’s return remains uncertain. Didier Deschamps is traditionally reluctant to include OL players in the French team. A return from N’Golo Kanté or even a surprise like that of Yoan Cabayé seems more likely than a change in selection policy on the part of the breeder. The future of Tolisso will therefore depend on Deschamps’ willingness to deviate from its established principles and take a risk with an OL player.