PARIS, March 19 - Randal Kolo Muani has been recalled to the France national team for the final pre-World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, marking a crucial opportunity to secure a spot in the summer tournament.
With Bradley Barcola sidelined by an ankle injury, head coach Didier Deschamps turned to Kolo Muani and Maghnes Akliouche in attack. The expanded 27-man squad includes nine forwards, exceeding FIFA’s 26-player limit, reflecting Deschamps’ strategy of keeping competition open ahead of the June 11-July 19 World Cup.
Kolo Muani arrives in form after scoring for Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. Marcus Thuram remains in the squad despite limited recent scoring, while young goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is included despite losing his PSG starting role to Matvei Safonov.
France faces Brazil in Boston on March 26, then Colombia in Washington on March 29.