FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Liverpool star gets maiden France call after Cherki’s exclusion
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has received his first call-up to the French national team, replacing the injured Rayan Cherki, as confirmed by the French Football Federation.
Last Updated: 01.37 AM, Sep 01, 2025
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been drafted into the French national team for the first time, stepping in as an injury replacement for Rayan Cherki, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Sunday.
Ekitike, 23, has made a bright start to his Liverpool career, netting two goals and one assist in three competitive matches following his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt during the close season. The forward also impressed at the youth level, scoring five goals in five outings for France's Under-21 side last season.
Despite his promising form, Ekitike was initially left out of coach Didier Deschamps’ squad for France’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland.
However, Cherki’s torn left quadriceps injury, which will sideline him for approximately two months, opened the door for Ekitike’s late call-up.
Cherki’s injury was confirmed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following their 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Deschamps faces further concerns as striker Ousmane Dembele sustained a left hamstring problem during Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse, and defenders William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate limped off during the Liverpool vs Arsenal match.
Ekitike could provide a timely boost for France's frontline, a position that has seen challenges ever since Olivier Giroud’s retirement from international football. The Liverpool forward will be aiming to make a strong impression in his maiden senior France squad call-up ahead of the critical World Cup qualifiers.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Centre-backs: Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Full-backs: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Khephren Thuram (Juventus)
Attackers: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool FC), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
France’s FIFA WC Qualifiers schedule
6/9/2025 - 12.15 am IST - Ukrain vs France
10/9/2025 - 12.15 am IST - France vs Iceland