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World Cup digest: Les Bleus call up Marcus Thuram, Saif-Eddine Khaoui misses out for Tunisia

Marcus Thuram is the 26th member of the French squad
Marcus Thuram is the 26th member of the French squad

Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram and Monaco defender Axel Disasi have been called up to play the World Cup with France, the French federation (FFF) have confirmed.

25-year-old Thuram is the 26th player who will make the trip to Qatar, where Les Bleus will be looking to defend their title.

Disasi made the squad after Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe ruled himself out because of a hamstring injury.

France squad (updated):

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda

Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Axel Disasi, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku, Marcus Thuram


Aymen Mathlouthi is in the Tunisia squad once more

Tunisia have dropped the French-based winger Saif-Eddine Khaoui for the World Cup but coach Jalel Kadri made no other major changes in naming his 26-man selection.

Khaoui was chosen in the squad that competed at the World Cup in Russia four years ago and, although he has infrequently played for Tunisia since, had been expected to be included given his form in Ligue 1 for his club Clermont.

A total of 10 players survive from the squad that competed at the last tournament, where Tunisia were beaten by both Belgium and England but did win their last group game against Panama.

Veteran goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, captain in Russia, returns to the squad after a three-year absence in a list of four goalkeepers for the tournament.

Tunisia play a warm-up friendly against Iran in Doha on Wednesday, before taking on Denmark, Australia and France in Group D as they look to advance past the first round for the first time in six World Cup finals appearances.

Tunisia squad:

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien), Bechir Ben Said (US Monastir), Mouez Hassen (Club Africain), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel)

Defenders: Ali Abdi (Caen), Dylan Bronn (Salernitana), Mohamed Drager (FC Luzern), Nader Ghandri (Club Africain), Bilel Ifa (Kuwait SC), Wajdi Kechrida (Atromitos), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Yassine Meriah (Esperance), Montassar Talbi (Lorient)

Midfielders: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Ghaylane Chaalali (both Esperance), Aissa Laidouni (Ferencvaros), Hannibal Mejbri (Birmingham City), Ferjani Sassi (Al Duhail), Elyas Skhiri (FC Cologne)

Forwards: Anis Ben Slimane (Brondby), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek), Issam Jebali (Odense), Wahbi Khazri (Montpellier), Taha Yassine Khenissi (Kuwait SC), Youssef Msakni (Al Arabi), Naim Sliti (Al Ittifaq)