Thuram v Kolo Muani, Chevalier drops to third, the stakes for France in the United States | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has stuck with familiar faces for France’s 25-man trip to the United States, recalling Randal Kolo Muani and Lucas Chevalier despite limited minutes, and drafting Maxence Lacroix for the injured William Saliba. According to Le Progres, there are no other new names.

Les Bleus play Brazil on Thursday at 21:00 and Colombia on Sunday at 21:00. Bradley Barcola’s withdrawal opened room for both Kolo Muani and Chevalier amid intense competition in attack from Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki and Hugo Ekitike.

Kolo Muani’s club path has been muddled for a year and a half with successive loans, and he has not featured for France since the Nations League Final Four in Stuttgart. A jaw injury ended hopes of a November return, and earlier a lack of game time told against him. Sparingly used at Tottenham since December, despite four Champions League goals, he is back for his versatility across the front line.

Marcus Thuram missed the end of World Cup qualifying with a left hamstring strain. Important to Inter in 2024-2025 despite no title, he has lacked cutting edge in 2026 with 3 goals, and has only 2 for France.

Chevalier has been short of minutes at PSG, yet Deschamps cited trust from past camps. Now the number three behind Brice Samba, he is unlikely to play this week, and any World Cup place may hinge on his club finish.

Pierre Kalulu returns after a tough debut as right-back against Spain last June, and owes this call to Jules Koundé’s hamstring issue and a solid season with Juventus. With Koundé first choice, his duel with Malo Gusto for the back-up role could resume if he features, while Lacroix’s late call also signals Benjamin Pavard is out of the frame.

Source: Le Progres