Former Tigres Player Called Up for National Team in FIFA International Matchup
France Preps for UEFA Qualifiers: Thauvin Makes a Return
This week marks the penultimate FIFA international window of the calendar year, with France gearing up for crucial UEFA qualifying matches. As one of the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup, the French national team is poised to face Azerbaijan and Iceland. Didier Deschamps, the head coach, has been forced to look beyond regular squad members due to a spate of injuries affecting the team.
French Squad Adjustments Due to Injuries
In the wake of numerous injuries, Deschamps has called up players who were not on the radar a few months ago. The notable absence of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has opened the door for a former Liga MX player to return to the national squad. Florian Thauvin, currently playing for Racing Club de Lens in Ligue One, is set to replace Barcola. Thauvin is expected to join France’s training sessions imminently.
Thauvin’s Return: A Comeback Six Years in the Making
Florian Thauvin’s last call-up to the French national team was in 2019 during the Euro 2020 qualifiers. The pandemic and his move to Liga MX sidelined him from subsequent selections. In 2023, after leaving Tigres, where he had initially struggled to fit into Diego Cocca’s lineup, Thauvin signed with Udinese in Serie A. His return to the French squad marks a significant milestone in his career.
Tigres Stint and World Cup Glory
During his tenure with the Tigres of UANL, Thauvin played 38 matches, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. Despite not consistently securing a starting position, he contributed to Tigres’ triumph in the Clausura 2023. On the international stage, Thauvin boasts a record of 10 appearances with one goal. Notably, he was part of the squad that lifted the World Cup in Russia 2018.
France’s Prospects in UEFA Qualifiers
The upcoming matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland will be critical for France as they aim to secure their spot in the next World Cup. With fresh additions like Thauvin, Deschamps hopes to capitalize on both seasoned and emerging talents to bolster the team’s prospects in the competitive UEFA qualifiers.
