Saël Kumbedi Receives First Senior France Call-Up After Pierre Kalulu Injury

Head coach Zinédine Zidane has named Wolfsburg defender Saël Kumbedi to the France senior national team for the first time, replacing the injured Pierre Kalulu ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The announcement came on Monday, November 9, 2026, as the squad gathered at Clairefontaine.

Kalulu sustained a left hamstring tear while playing for Juventus during a 2-2 Serie A draw against Fiorentina over the weekend. Medical evaluations confirmed the injury would sideline the 26-year-old defender, preventing him from participating in the national team camp and forcing him to remain in Turin for treatment.

Kumbedi, 21, was originally selected for the under-21 squad by Gérald Baticle to prepare for friendlies against England and Italy. Having earned nine caps with the under-21 side, the right-back transitions to the senior setup following a career path that included youth stints at Paris Saint-Germain, development at Le Havre, professional experience with Lyon, and a subsequent move to German club Wolfsburg.

The decision to select a player from the second tier of German football marks a notable strategic choice by Zidane. Rather than utilizing more experienced Ligue 1 alternatives such as Nice veteran Jonathan Clauss or Lens defender Ruben Aguilar, the coaching staff opted to invest in youth with an eye toward the long-term future, particularly with Euro 2028 on the horizon.

Zidane has demonstrated a willingness to promote young talents from the under-21 setup during international breaks. Utilizing players from the under-21 pool also offers practical advantages logistically, as both squads train at the French Football Federation headquarters in Clairefontaine, allowing for immediate integration without travel delays.

France is set to face Italy away in Milan on Thursday, November 12, 2026, followed by a home match against Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Sitting at the top of their group with three victories in four matches, Les Bleus require only one more win to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the competition.