Despite lighting up Anfield with an electrifying start, Hugo Ekitike has been omitted from France’s latest squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. It’s a stunning decision that underscores the fierce competition within the national setup.
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool this summer from Eintracht Frankfurt, has become a revelation. He’s struck in each of his first three appearances—scoring in the Community Shield and both Premier League outings against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Despite this hot streak, Didier Deschamps has held firm, opting instead for other forwards. Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco has received his first senior call-up, joining France’s forward lineup alongside established names like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Thuram.
At a press briefing, Deschamps acknowledged Ekitike’s impressive form, noting, “We were following him in Frankfurt, and it’s great that he’s effective at Liverpool. But there’s competition for his position. He has potential—but I can’t take everyone.”
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France’s qualifiers are fast approaching: the team travels to Wroclaw, Poland, to face Ukraine on September 5, before hosting Iceland four days later.
While this decision is a setback for Ekitike, the message from Deschamps is clear: consistency and timing still matter in earning that elusive first cap. For now, Ekitike will stay focused on maintaining his goal-scoring form for Liverpool. With the season only just beginning, and the competition for places biting hard, his next opportunity may be just around the corner.