France recalls Florian Thauvin for World Cup qualifiers after Bradley Barcola injury

France's national soccer team has called up veteran winger Florian Thauvin to replace the injured Bradley Barcola for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland. Barcola, a PSG striker, is sidelined due to a right hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League match, and will remain with PSG for treatment. Thauvin, 32, who plays for RC Lens, returns to the national team after more than six years, having last appeared in 2019; he was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad. Thauvin's recall reflects his strong performances this season and coach Didier Deschamps' preference for experienced players as France aims to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, the team is monitoring Kylian Mbappé's right ankle injury following his recent match for Real Madrid. France leads Group D and will host Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes before traveling to Iceland.