The forward struggled for consistency at club level throughout the 2025–26 season. Reports from the French camp indicate that his lack of regular impact in top-level competition was a decisive factor in the final evaluation.

They moved forward without him in their rotation, reinforcing a new offensive structure built around in-form options such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. The omission has become one of the most discussed selection calls, along with that of Eduardo Camavinga, also overlooked by France for the 2026 World Cup.

What was Randal Kolo Muani’s form before the 2026 World Cup?

Randal Kolo Muani arrived at the 2026 World Cup in mixed and declining club form, which heavily influenced his exclusion from France’s final squad. His performances during the 2025–26 season were inconsistent.

He had limited goal contributions for Tottenham Hotspur during his loan spell, while France coach Didier Deschamps increasingly favored in-form attacking alternatives such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. It’s different to the situation of Antoine Griezmann, who chose not to play at the 2026 World Cup.

At club level, Kolo Muani’s output was below expectations for a France striker. He had a low goal return and had a reduced influence in attack, scoring only a handful of goals across the season and showing limited consistency in Premier League matches.

Has Randal Kolo Muani been injured before the tournament?

Injuries played a major role in disrupting his momentum leading into the World Cup. The most significant setback came in November 2025, when Kolo Muani suffered a fractured jaw during a match against Manchester United.

The injury forced him to withdraw from international duty and required recovery time that temporarily halted his season. He also dealt with earlier fitness issues during his career, including recurring knocks.

What does this mean for France’s attack at the 2026 World Cup?

Kolo Muani’s absence (or reduced role) significantly reshaped France’s attacking depth and tactical profile. France entered the tournament with a more fluid, technically oriented front line, relying less on a traditional striker profile.

Didier Deschamps shifted toward a system emphasizing movement, creativity and wide attacking combinations. In practical terms, this means:

• Less aerial presence and direct target-man play
• More pace-driven, interchanging forward rotations
• Increased reliance on Mbappe as both scorer and focal point
• Tactical flexibility, but less physical reference point in the box

When was the last time Randal Kolo Muani played for France?

Randal Kolo Muani’s last appearance for France came on 29 March 2026, in a friendly match against Colombia at the Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. He came off the bench but did not score in France’s 3–1 win.

He came off the bench in the second half during the win, replacing Maghnes Akliouche as Didier Deschamps used the match to rotate his attacking options ahead of the 2026 World Cup. That game ended up being his final cap.

What happened before that match?

Kolo Muani’s international situation leading into that appearance was unstable. This reflected his overall status in the squad… still valued, but no longer central to the attacking hierarchy.

• He had not been a regular starter for France since 2024–2025
• He was called up again in March 2026 after being included in a broad Deschamps squad for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia
• He was used mainly as a rotational attacking option, not a guaranteed starter
• He entered the Colombia match from the bench and played a limited role

PSG have made significant moves this summer, including the arrival of Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona. But the reigning Ligue 1 champions have yet to take off this season, having failed to pick up a win in their first two league matches (D2).

Therefore, the front office is expected to continue making significant additions before the transfer window closes. In fact, the club is reportedly preparing a lucrative offer for a potential replacement of Mbappe.

Randal Kolo Muani on PSG’s radar as Mbappe’s future is uncertain

According to AS, Paris Saint-Germain are preparing an offer that could go up to €95 million for Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward made an impression in the last World Cup and could cover a huge gap if Mbappe leaves.

Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly been reluctant to let the Frenchman go, having rejected an initial bid of €65 million from PSG. It makes sense, considering how impactful he was last season.

Kolo Muani bagged 23 goals and 17 assists in 46 appearances throughout the 2022-23 campaign, making a name for himself in the Bundesliga. PSG have already landed Dembélé, Gonçalo Ramos, Marco Asensio, and Lee Kang-In this summer, so this would give them another boost.

At 35-years old, Messi is trying to lead Argentina to their third World Cuptrophy. He already admitted that this is his last chance to do it. In 2021, the superstar finally gave his country an international title with the victory at Brazilin the Copa America. However, this is totally different and he is living up to the expectations.

In a very surprising turn of events, many players from France don’t seemthreatened at all by the greatness of Messi. On the contrary, the French squad are sending very strong comments against him. Continue reading to find out who is challenging Lionel Messi and how could this impact the final.

France challenge Messi before the World Cup final

According to many reports, the first player who took a shot at Lionel Messi was Theo Hernandez after France defeated Morocco in the semifinals. The AC Milan defender is replacing his brother Lucas who suffered a knee injury. “Messi doesn’t scare us” were the words of Theo in an interview with the Italian TV channel, RAI Sport.

Then, in a press conference before the final, Randal Kolo Muani said Lionel Messi is just another player for him. Nothing great, nothing legendary. Just someone else.”I already played against him when I was at FC Nantesand my life didn’t change. The final is magical. All the world will be watching.”

If this is a competitive attitude or sort of a lack of respect, everything will be determined next Sunday when Argentina clashes with France in the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.

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