Tchouaméni fights to return to France's team after the World Cup

In the corridors of Sciences Po, on October 3, the 26‑year‑old midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni spoke to France 24 about the thigh injury that ruined his participation in the 2026 World Cup, recalling the risks he took for the French national team.

Zidane excludes Tchouaméni from the first selection

For his first squad at the helm of the French national team, Zinédine Zidane chose to do without Aurélien Tchouaméni. The player, rested in Madrid, remains convalescent after a thigh injury.

During the Africa Day at Sciences Po, Tchouaméni explained that “It’s a World Cup, so we try to put everything in place to be as effective as possible on the pitch.” He added that he does not regret the risks taken, even though he paid the price later, and that players understand the circumstances that demand giving everything.

Tchouaméni did not hide his desire to honour his 51st cap under the Rooster’s jersey as early as next November. Trained at Girondins de Bordeaux, he will need to show more than he did at the American World Cup to regain the place earned under Didier Deschamps.

Tchouaméni says his Coupe risk left no regrets for France

Midfield competition and prospects

The surprise Da Cunha and the comeback of Eduardo Camavinga, who seems determined to play tricks on his teammate both at club and international level, eclipsed Tchouaméni during this gathering. “There is a new manager who is doing a very good job, and every ambitious player aspires to be in the French team,” asserted Real Madrid.

If the doors of Clairefontaine close on Tchouaméni in November, he can always film a new episode of The Bridge to console himself. This project, mentioned on the sidelines of the interview, shows his desire to stay active off the pitch.

Two comments have already been posted in reaction to these statements. The episode highlights the stakes of reclaiming a place in the French side for a top‑level player.