Zidane selects France squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures

France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane has named his squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey, France 24 and Goal.com reported. France 24 and Sportstar both reported that striker Pablo Pagis received a surprise maiden call-up to the national team. Kylian Mbappe and several other key players return to the team after recovering from injuries, according to France 24. [1][8][9][11]

Flashscore.com confirmed that Zidane handed Pagis his first international call-up. Goal.com reported that Zidane selected a 23-man squad for the upcoming double-header. OneFootball added that Zidane singled out Paris Saint-Germain youngster Desire Doue for praise ahead of the two matches. [8][9][10]

Other national teams also announced squad decisions for the international period. France 24 reported that England head coach Thomas Tuchel called up Jobe Bellingham alongside his brother Jude, while omitting Chelsea player Cole Palmer. Meanwhile, beIN SPORTS, Soccer News, and FotMob all reported that Jeremy Doku returned to the Belgium squad. Arab News reported that Spain selected three new players for their upcoming Nations League fixtures, while The New York Times reported that Rafael Marquez named his Mexico squad. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

The UEFA Nations League is an international European football tournament played by senior men's national teams to minimise friendlies through a league structure with promotion and relegation. Zidane became the head coach of France in July 2026. During his club management career, he became the first coach to win three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles while managing Real Madrid. [12][13][14]

Off the pitch, Bavarian Football Works reported that Germany will play their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Serbia behind closed doors. European national sides continue their campaigns as international fixtures resume across the continent. [7][12]