Lucas Chevalier Leads Ligue 1 World Cup Omitted XI

Lucas Chevalier, Vanderson, Malang Sarr, Charlie Cresswell, Matthieu Udol, Tyler Morton, Corentin Tolisso and Ansu Fati are among the Ligue 1 players left out of their national squads for the 2026 World Cup. Only 79 Ligue 1 players earned a place, while the eight listed missed out. Lucas Chevalier (24) of Paris Saint-Germain was called up by Didier Deschamps in March but did not make the final list. He lost his starting spot to Matvey Safonov after a regular first half of the season and has not played since 23 January. Vanderson (24) of AS Monaco played 23 of the club’s 47 matches and supplied two assists, leading Carlo Ancelotti to leave him out of Brazil’s squad. Malang Sarr (27) of RC Lens, despite making the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, was kept as a reserve by Pape Thiaw and omitted from Senegal’s list. Charlie Cresswell (23) of Toulouse FC delivered a solid campaign but was considered too far behind for England’s roster. Matthieu Udol (30) of RC Lens, signed from FC Metz, posted three goals and ten assists in 40 games under Pierre Sage, yet he did not receive a France call‑up. Tyler Morton (23) of Olympique Lyonnais left Liverpool FC a year ago, earned a regular midfield role, but Arne Slot did not select him for England. Corentin Tolisso (31) of Olympique Lyonnais recorded 15 goals and six assists in 39 matches, yet Didier Deschamps omitted him from France’s squad. Ansu Fati (23) of AS Monaco regained fitness, scoring once every 110 minutes in 30 appearances, but Sébastien Pocognoli kept him as a substitute and he missed Spain’s list. These eight Ligue 1 players illustrate that strong domestic form does not guarantee World Cup inclusion. Future selections may depend on increased playing time and national team needs.