N'Golo Kanté: why he's not playing against Morocco
N'Golo Kanté is a key player for France in the 2026 World Cup, but he has not played a single minute since the start of the competition. As a substitute, he could still remain on the bench this Thursday during the quarter-final France - Morocco.
What's happening ?
If Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is still out with an adductor injury, is not playing, this will not make N'Golo Kanté a starter in the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup. For this France - Morocco, Manu Koné is preferred to support Adrien Rabiot in the blue midfield. Warren Zaïre-Emery, who warmed up during France - Paraguay in the 8th round but did not enter the game, could even be ahead of N'Golo Kanté in the hierarchy set by Didier Deschamps.
Why is this important for France ?
N'Golo Kanté holds a special place in the French team, especially in the group of 26 concocted by Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup. And not just because of his age (35 years), which makes him the oldest in the blue group! The defensive midfielder is one of the "survivors" of the victorious epic of 2018 with Lucas Hernandez, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
What's behind this absence ?
The statistic may intrigue the followers of the Blues when we know the natural activity of N'Golo Kanté on the field, him who became the darling of the Blues (and of Didier Deschamps) since this famous 2018 World Cup. It finds its origin in a multitude of reasons starting with the physical condition of the former Chelsea player.
Is N'Golo Kanté still injured in the World Cup ?
Recalled to the Blues for the Euro 2024, N'Golo Kanté, 35 years old, has evolved during several seasons in Saudi Arabia, a championship less valued than the Premier League or the major European championships, especially in terms of physical efforts and duels. He was transferred to Fenerbahce in Turkey in January, with whom he finished 2nd in the Turkish championship in 18 matches, without lifting all the doubts about his current level. Obviously, Didier Deschamps sees his role of experience in a rather young midfield where the doubles Manu Koné and Warren Zaïre-Emery are playing their first World Cup...
The situation of N'Golo Kanté does not inspire particular concern to the French staff, who is however following his situation closely. Will he have a little playing time at the end of the match against Morocco this Thursday, especially if France has to defend a lead ?
Last result: France 2-0 Morocco (2026-07-09). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. Next fixture: vs England (at home, 2026-07-18).
