Three France U21 players with plenty at stake in this international break 🇫🇷 | OneFootball

Objective: Catch the World Cup train.

This Thursday evening, against Ukraine, the French team can officially secure their ticket for the 2026 World Cup, if they win.

But this match, as well as the next one on Sunday against Azerbaijan, should serve as an opportunity for some of the Blues to make their mark, seven months before the World Cup.

Here are the three players who have a lot at stake during this gathering! 

Warren Zaïre-Emery

📸 Aurelien Meunier - 2025 Aurelien Meunier

Demoted to the Espoirs during the previous gathering, the young midfielder has perfectly responded under PSG's colors by delivering strong performances lately.

Now, he needs to show the same quality under the blue jersey! If Didier Deschamps gives him the chance this November, of course...

Maghnes Akliouche

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

Called up during the last two gatherings, Maghnes Akliouche has had to settle for brief appearances so far, despite a depleted attack during the recent breaks.

A decisive passer after coming on in the last match against Iceland, the AS Monaco player will need to replicate this kind of performance if he wants to be an obvious choice in Didier Deschamps' mind next spring, when selecting the squad for the big event...

Christopher Nkunku

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors

Not necessarily at ease at the start of his journey with AC Milan, Christopher Nkunku took advantage of Marcus Thuram's absence to make his return to the French squad.

Although he still has Didier Deschamps' favor, the former Parisian is starting from further back than his peers and would be well-advised to deliver a standout performance if given the opportunity against Ukraine or Azerbaijan...

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors