Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has received his first senior France call-up, selected by coach Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland. The 28-year-old was rewarded for scoring 17 goals across all competitions last season and for Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph.
Deschamps said Mateta must still prove himself during training and matches, insisting that the selection is based on habit rather than personality.
Deschamps stressed that while the call-up is an opportunity, Mateta must deliver when it counts. “He has a good habit of scoring goals, whether for his club or with the younger teams and the Olympic team” Deschamps told reporters. “It’s not about winning me over (personally). That’s not how it works. He has to prove himself in the team, in training and during matches.”
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Mateta’s 17 goals last season played a key part in Crystal Palace claiming their first FA Cup in the club’s 164-year history. Prior to this senior call-up, he had represented France at youth levels and as an over-age inclusion for the Olympic squad in Paris, where he won a silver medal.
Deschamps also provided an injury update on Kylian Mbappé, stating the star forward had picked up a “minor issue” while playing for Real Madrid, but it is not considered serious. The medical staff will monitor the situation.
This marks Mateta’s first senior France squad call-up, coming amid injuries to established forwards like Marcus Thuram, Ousmane Dembélé, and Randal Kolo Muani. Deschamps acknowledged that his depth in attack is stretched and Mateta’s profile and scoring record make him a logical option. France lead Group D and will host Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes on October 10 before travelling to face Iceland on October 13. Mateta will be hoping to make an impression in those matches and build a case to remain in Deschamps’ squad for next year’s World Cup in North America.