Paul Pogba’s hopes of making France’s 2026 World Cup squad have been dealt a harsh blow, with former World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf suggesting the midfielder has virtually no chance of being called up. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Despite recently returning to action with Monaco after a turbulent period, Pogba faces an uphill battle to convince Didier Deschamps that he deserves a spot. Leboeuf, speaking to GOAL, humorously compared Pogba’s chances to Zinedine Zidane being recalled, signaling just how slim the opportunity really is.
The ex-Manchester United and Juventus midfielder has seen a dramatic shift in his career trajectory since his World Cup triumph in 2018. At that time, Pogba was central to France’s success, contributing crucial goals in the 4-2 final victory over Croatia. Fast forward to the present, and Pogba has endured injuries, inconsistent club performances, and a controversial doping ban that threatened to sideline him for four years before being reduced to 18 months on appeal. These setbacks have made his road back to the national team extremely challenging.
Leboeuf’s assessment paints a grim picture, with only a “five per cent chance” of Pogba making the squad next summer. While Deschamps remains a fan of Pogba’s abilities, the reality is that other consistent performers like N’Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann are more likely to secure their spots. For Pogba, the struggle isn’t just about physical fitness but also proving he can perform at the highest level after such a long absence from competitive football.
Pogba’s Comeback Journey at Monaco
After a lengthy period out of football following his release from Juventus, Pogba made his Monaco debut on November 22, 2025. The 32-year-old midfielder spent months as a free agent, regaining fitness and seeking a new platform to rebuild his career. Monaco offers Pogba a chance to rediscover his form and demonstrate that he can still compete at an elite level.
While training can restore physical conditioning, Leboeuf emphasizes that match fitness and game rhythm take time to return. Pogba’s challenge now is not only to stay injury-free but also to consistently deliver top performances against competitive opponents.
His debut marked the first step in this process, but the road ahead remains long and uncertain. Beyond fitness, Pogba must also prove that he can influence games consistently. Success at the club level is crucial if he hopes to reignite his international career.
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The Challenge of Making France’s 2026 Squad
France boasts a wealth of talent in midfield, making Pogba’s potential recall extremely difficult. With players like N’Golo Kante, Paul’s former teammates, and emerging stars already cementing their places, Deschamps has limited room for experimentation. Leboeuf’s lighthearted suggestion to “bring Zinedine Zidane back” underscores just how unlikely it is that Pogba will overcome these obstacles.
Deschamps has left the door slightly open, emphasizing that Pogba’s selection depends on his form at Monaco. While the manager appreciates Pogba’s desire and past contributions, he must weigh squad consistency and readiness for high-stakes competition. Pogba’s last international appearance came in March 2022, and his absence from the national team for over three years has created both a physical and tactical gap to overcome.
The broader context also matters: France is looking to maintain its dominance in international football while integrating younger, reliable talents. In such a competitive environment, Pogba’s veteran status alone may not be sufficient to warrant selection. His challenge is to match or exceed the performance of those already proven at the international level.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Even if Pogba misses out on France’s World Cup squad, his career is far from lacking achievements. With a World Cup winner’s medal from 2018 and a UEFA Nations League title in 2020-21, he has already left a lasting mark on French football. While the prospect of reaching 100 caps appears unlikely, he can take pride in his past contributions and the impact he has had on the national team.
For now, Pogba’s focus remains on Monaco, aiming to regain peak form and fitness. Every performance is a step toward proving doubters wrong, even if a return to the national squad proves elusive. His story is a reminder of how resilience and determination remain essential in football, particularly when navigating career setbacks.
Ultimately, Pogba’s future with France may be uncertain, but his journey continues to capture attention worldwide. Whether he defies expectations or gracefully accepts the limitations, his legacy as one of the game’s most gifted midfielders remains intact. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.