Three years after retiring from international football, Hugo Lloris could consider a return to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup. His former understudy, Steve Mandanda, remains doubtful.
Lloris returning to Les Bleus for the World Cup seems plausible. According to sources close to him, contacted by L’Équipe, the 2018 world champion “would gladly accept a return to the French national team,” provided that head coach Didier Deschamps approves the idea.
Debate Over a Potential Comeback
In a context marked by limited playing time and the injury of Lucas Chevalier at Paris Saint-Germain, the question of a third goalkeeper arises. Several profiles such as Risser, Butez, or Areola are also being considered.
However, for Mandanda, this scenario seems unlikely. “I haven’t spoken to him, but I don’t see the coach bringing him back because he has always said he wouldn’t recall a player for a different role,” explained the former international. He also emphasized Lloris’ importance within the squad: “When you know how important Hugo was to the French team, as captain, on and off the pitch, it would be complicated—especially in the demanding role of third goalkeeper.”
Mandanda also questions the collective impact of such a return: “It feels difficult to achieve, even if I think most French fans would love to see him back. Honestly, in terms of progression, would it be positive for the whole group? I’m not sure, even though I know Hugo is very attached to the national team.”
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