Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hot streak in the Premier League has finally paid off. The Crystal Palace striker has been handed his first-ever senior France call-up, with Didier Deschamps including him in the squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland.
At 28, Mateta is no rookie. He’s already struck four goals in 10 outings this season, powering an unbeaten Palace side that sits third in the Premier League. Last season, he bagged 17 goals across all competitions, and since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, he has 32 league goals to his name a record that has become too big to ignore.
France fans will also remember his heroics at the Paris 2024 Olympics under Thierry Henry, where he hit five goals in six games to help Les Bleus secure silver. Still, until now, Deschamps had never handed him a senior cap.
“I like his profile,” said Deschamps when unveiling the squad. “He’s not so young, but he’s played through almost all the youth levels. Most importantly, he knows how to score.”
Mateta’s breakthrough comes at a moment when France’s attacking options are stretched. Ousmane Dembele, fresh off a Ballon d’Or win, and PSG star Desire Doue are both sidelined with injuries. AC Milan’s Christopher Nkunku has been recalled, while Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram with just two goals in 31 international appearances and none for nearly two years also misses out.
There’s more shuffling elsewhere. Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, who debuted in June, is out injured, while Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) and Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) keep their spots after earning debuts last month.
In midfield, Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga makes his return after suspension ruled out teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. It will be his first appearance for Les Bleus since March.
For Mateta, though, this is the long-awaited breakthrough. After years of proving himself in south London and on the Olympic stage, the Palace striker now has the chance to test his scoring touch on international football’s biggest stage.
