Mateta earns first France call-up for October fixtures | OneFootball

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has received his first invitation to the French national team ahead of the October international break.

The 28-year-old has been a key player under Oliver Glasner this season, helping Palace maintain an unbeaten start to their league campaign.

So far this season, Mateta has scored four goals in ten matches, including the Community Shield, underlining his importance in attack.

Mateta previously featured for France at youth level, making appearances for both the under-19 and under-21 teams earlier in his career.

He also took part in the Olympic Games as one of the squad’s permitted over-age players. France went all the way to the final before losing to Spain, finishing as runners-up.

Now he will aim to take his impressive club form onto the international stage and possibly make his first senior appearance for Les Bleus.

France focus on World Cup qualifying run

France will continue their qualification journey for the 2026 World Cup this month. Didier Deschamps’ side have a perfect record so far in the group stage.

Les Bleus will play Azerbaijan on 10 October before travelling to Iceland for their second fixture three days later.

Mateta will be hoping to earn his debut in either of those matches, with a strong showing possibly boosting his hopes for selection at the World Cup.

Deschamps has named a 23-man squad for these games, mixing experienced internationals with younger talent.

France squad for the October international break

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Khephren Thuram (Juventus).

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Kingsley Coman (Al-Nassr), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).