France Faces High-Profile Absences in Nations League

France head coach Didier Deschamps has clarified his decision to exclude Kylian Mbappé from the national squad for the UEFA Nations League, stating that the player was not fully fit despite playing for Villarreal. In Mbappé's absence, Aurélien Tchouameni has been appointed captain, expressing immense pride in leading the team. The Nations League, which has seen several elite players opting out, including Antoine Griezmann's retirement and Romelu Lukaku focusing on fitness, is viewed as a lower priority amid a congested soccer season. This opens opportunities for newcomers, with Belgium's coach calling up debutants for the upcoming matches. As teams prepare for World Cup qualification, the results in the Nations League will impact their seeding for the December draw. The spotlight also remains on standout players like Erling Haaland, who has been in exceptional form this season.