Manchester City star has ‘no chance’ of making World Cup squad, says former France boss | OneFootball

Former France manager Raymond Domenech has made a shocking admission over Rayan Cherki’s hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cherki has performed excellently over the last couple of seasons, first for Lyon and then at Manchester City, which has seen him force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans. 

For Pep Guardiola’s side particularly, the Frenchman has scored four goals and provided as many assists in just 13 appearances, despite suffering several setbacks in his early months as a Premier League player.

The 22-year-old announced himself on the international stage with a goal and an assist in a 30-minute cameo against Spain back in June – a senior France debut that gave an exciting peak through the curtain into what Manchester City fans can expect from the playmaker.

Cherki also started against Ukraine in a 4-0 win on Thursday, which was his second start for Les Bleus after the attacking midfielder missed the previous two international breaks through injury. 

But while his performances for City have yielded praise and approval from Guardiola and Deschamps, former France star and manager Raymond Domenech believes otherwise as the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears.

“(Maghnes) Akliouche, (Michael) Olise and (Christopher) Nkunku are his direct competition – he has no chance,” Domenech said in conversation with L’Equipe de Greg, as relayed by Get Football News France.

“Everything depends on what he does at Manchester City – if they go far, if he plays a few games, comes on at the end of some games, a little 15 minutes here and there.”

Despite a recurring thigh problem, Cherki has made a strong impact in England so far and has been one of, if not, City’s best midfielders this season – with important goals coming off the bench since his return to fitness.

Most recently, Cherki scored the fourth goal of City’s rout against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League, adding to Phil Foden’s double and Erling Haaland’s goal.

Prior to that, Cherki was impressive as a substitute in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup, scoring against Wolves on the opening day of the season before netting another in the 94th minute against Swansea City. 

Since his £34 million move from Ligue 1 side Lyon, the attacker has exceeded expectations and will likely get a place on the plane for France next year, providing he is fit.