Zidane unveils first France squad with Mbappé as captain

Zinedine Zidane has named his first squad as head coach of the French men’s football team, marking the formal commencement of his tenure following the departure of Didier Deschamps. The selection, announced on Friday, 18 September 2026, designates the players available for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches and represents the first significant personnel decision under the new management.

The appointment of Kylian Mbappé as captain stands out as a definitive statement of leadership within the group. By placing the forward at the helm, Zidane has aligned the team’s on-field authority with one of its most prominent figures, a move that underscores the strategic priorities for the current campaign.

In terms of squad composition, the selection included five new players, suggesting an intent to inject fresh talent into the roster. However, the specific identities of these additions were not detailed in the initial announcement, leaving some aspects of the tactical overhaul to be observed in the upcoming fixtures.

The most notable omissions from the squad were Aurélien Tchouaméni and Khéphren Thuram. The exclusion of these former squad members raises questions regarding continuity versus a fresh start, as Zidane navigates the transition from the long-serving Deschamps era to his own managerial identity.

This development occurs against a backdrop of broader shifts in European football, coinciding with other national teams finalising their selections for the Nations League. The announcement highlights the institutional weight of Zidane’s first official act, which is expected to shape the tactical and cultural direction of Les Bleus for the remainder of the campaign.

According to France 24 International, the selection was made on Friday, 18 September 2026, at 6pm Paris time. The move signals a clear break from previous patterns, as the new head coach establishes his own hierarchy and playing philosophy for the national side.