N’Golo Kanté is one of only three France players yet to play a single minute at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As France prepares for the latter stages of the tournament, only Lucas Hernández, Robin Risser and Kanté remain unused by Didier Deschamps. Warren Zaïre-Emery was also on that list until he came off the bench in the 75th minute of France’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco.

Kanté’s absence is the biggest surprise of them all.

For years, Deschamps showed unwavering faith in the veteran midfielder, and many in France expected him to play a meaningful role at the World Cup.

From automatic starter to unused substitute

The reality has turned out very differently.

Kanté’s career has gradually slowed over the past few years, but Deschamps never stopped believing in him. The France coach unexpectedly included him in last summer’s UEFA European Championship squad, where he started four matches and appeared to have rediscovered the physical edge that made him indispensable during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.

Deschamps even selected the current Fenerbahçe midfielder ahead of Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga for this World Cup roster.

The decision drew criticism, especially since Camavinga, despite an inconsistent club season, remains one of France’s brightest young midfielders. Kanté, however, had logged significant minutes during France’s final international window before the World Cup in March, showing he still had plenty left in the tank.

A return to Europe wasn’t enough

Kanté spent two years out of the national team setup between 2022 and 2024, a stretch that coincided with his move to Saudi Arabia.

Even so, his impressive performances at the European Championship restored his importance within the French squad. He once again reminded fans why his partnership with Paul Pogba was one of the defining midfield duos of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team.

Pogba’s story unfolded very differently. After signing with Monaco in an attempt to revive his career and keep alive his slim hopes of making the trip to the United States, injuries and a lack of match fitness ultimately ended those ambitions.

Kanté, meanwhile, returned to European soccer when he joined Fenerbahçe in January.

The move appeared to strengthen his chances of making the World Cup roster. His relationship with Deschamps has always been exceptionally strong. He was one of the coach’s most trusted players during France’s golden era and, despite missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the two remained close.

In Turkey, Kanté became an automatic starter once again, rarely leaving the lineup and proving that his trademark endurance had not disappeared.

But France’s midfield has evolved.

Manu Koné, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot have all performed at a consistently high level, while Zaïre-Emery, PSG’s most-used outfield player this past season, has continued his rapid rise. Their performances have dramatically reduced Kanté’s opportunities to break into the lineup.

A lasting legacy with Les Bleus

This is almost certainly Kanté’s final major tournament with France.

By the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, he would be 39 years old, and the expected arrival of Zinedine Zidane as national team coach would likely usher in a new era.

Even if Kanté never steps onto the field at this World Cup, his place in French soccer history is secure.

His unforgettable performances during France’s 2018 title-winning campaign established him as one of the world’s elite midfielders, and his legacy with Les Bleus extends far beyond the minutes he plays.

Kanté has been, remains and always will be one of the enduring symbols of the French national team.

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