Despite a difficult start to the year, Jean-Philippe Mateta remains focused on a clear objective: playing in the World Cup with the France national team.
Hampered by a failed transfer and a knee injury in 2026, the Crystal Palace striker saw his stock drop just as Les Bleus were delivering strong performances without him during the last international break. Enough to seriously damage his chances… but not his determination.
Fierce Competition in Attack
“The France team is on my mind. That’s also why I didn’t give up,” he told Canal+ after the victory against Fiorentina (3-0) in the Conference League.
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At 28, Mateta knows the road to the World Cup is full of obstacles. The attacking line of Les Bleus is particularly crowded, and his recent absences have not helped his case.
One question remains: if he gets back into contention, someone will have to make way. But who? Nothing is set in stone yet, but he will need to deliver consistent performances to convince coach Didier Deschamps in the final stretch. Or hope for an injury. With Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Thuram, Ekitike, and Akliouche, Mateta’s chances of making the final 23 are slim—even if Deschamps is known to include one or two surprises.
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