World Cup: Jean-Philippe Mateta, France’s mood-maker who offers more than laughs | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a figure for France at the 2026 World Cup, lifting spirits and more besides. He has made three cameos, totalling 21 minutes.

According to L'Équipe, he joined in autumn 2025 at 28, knowing a few from Olympic or Under-21 squads, including Koné, Olise, Doué, Cherki and Upamecano, yet largely new to the group. Despite missing March amid an aborted AC Milan move, he has 7 caps and 2 goals.

In the lineage of 2018’s Adil Rami, though quieter, he is the squad’s go-to for banter. Shirt tucked, deep voice and sharp comebacks, the Crystal Palace striker invites friendly jibes. A monosyllabic media turn three weeks ago amused team-mates, and after the 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday William Saliba teased him about a late miss.

Yet he is more than a mascot. Now 29, he has surprised team-mates, and senior figures such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé had not envisaged him at this level.

Not only a target man, in training he shows tight footwork and short dribbles despite his size, plus assured finishing. Staff have noticed, his recent sessions have impressed.

Could that push him ahead of Marcus Thuram if France need a different route in Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain at 21:00? A calf issue for the Inter Milan striker has altered the short-term picture, but in a high-risk game his experience and runs in behind are likely to be preferred. Mateta has earned a role, perhaps more than a bit-part.

Source: L'Équipe