Randal Kolo Muani’s difficult loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur has taken another hit after Didier Deschamps left him out of the French national team in favour of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Deschamps chose the Crystal Palace forward instead, a call that underlines how far Kolo Muani has slipped in the conversation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The decision came after the striker managed only one goal and one assist in 20 Premier League starts and 28 total appearances during the 2025/26 season.
Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on transfer deadline day as a loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain, a move that was supposed to give him a clean run in North London and a better platform to force his way back into France contention. Instead, the season has been described as poor, and his stock has suffered as a consequence.
That is what makes Deschamps’ decision matter now. Some reporters in France had expected Kolo Muani to be involved in the national team picture for next summer’s tournament in North America, but the coach went with Mateta, whom he viewed as the more well rounded, consistent and accurate option.
The setback does not end the story. Juventus are still showing interest in signing Kolo Muani after his loan deal from Paris to North London expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, leaving his next move likely to be decided well before France name a final group for the World Cup.
For Kolo Muani, the problem is no longer just one underwhelming spell at Tottenham. It is the way that spell has changed how he is seen by club suitors and by the coach who matters most to him right now.
