Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta earns first France senior call-up | OneFootball

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has earned his first call-up to the France senior squad for the October World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

The 28-year-old has been in excellent form under Oliver Glasner, playing a central role in Palace’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.

His progress has not gone unnoticed, with head coach Didier Deschamps turning to him at a time when several of France’s established attacking options are unavailable.

Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele are all sidelined with injury, leaving opportunities for players who have impressed at club level.

Mateta has long been involved with the national set-up, representing France at every youth level and featuring prominently at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he helped his country win a silver medal.

His international breakthrough comes more than a decade into his senior career, reflecting both his persistence and the significant improvement in his game since the arrival of Glasner at Selhurst Park.

The striker has scored 27 league goals since February 2024, with only Mohamed Salah, Erling Braut Haaland and Alexander Isak registering more in that period.

France will play Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes on October 10 before travelling to face Iceland three days later.

They are top of Group D and favourites to extend their lead. Mateta is expected to compete for game time alongside captain Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku and Hugo Ekitike.

Mateta’s development into a consistent Premier League striker underlines Glasner’s influence and strengthens Palace’s reputation as a platform for international football.

With his contract running until 2027 but renewal talks yet to advance, Palace will hope the confidence gained from a France debut can help secure his long-term future at Selhurst Park.