Mbappé and two Real Madrid players in Zidane’s first France squad

Zinedine Zidane has unveiled his first France squad this Friday, having taken over from Didier Deschamps in August 2026, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The headline is Kylian Mbappé, and Zidane made it clear he will serve as his captain.

Alongside Mbappé, there are two Real Madrid men: Ibrahima Konaté and Eduardo Camavinga. The article also highlights Jules Koundé joining the group. As new faces, Zidane includes Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Estéban Lepaul.

Injuries and notable absences

The list also reflects injuries: Mundo Deportivo says William Saliba and Theo Hernández are out. Other reasons keep several players away, including Brice Samba, Lucas Digne, Wesley Fofana, Lucas Hernández, Nordi Mukiele, Matthieu Udo, Boubacar Kamara, N’Golo Kanté, Enzo Le Fée, Pablo Pagis, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Khephren Thuram, plus Magnes Akliouche, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Senny Mayulu and Marcus Thuram.

Zidane’s France start date

With the Nations League beginning, Zidane’s debut as coach comes on September 25 against Türkiye in Izmit for Group 1. After that, the next fixtures are Belgium in Brussels on the 28th, Italy on October 2 at the Stade de France, and a return vs Belgium there on the 5th.