- Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta set for World Cup
- France boss Didier Deschamps ‘expected’ to name him in squad
- Eagles frontman will fulfill childhood dream
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s dream of representing France at this summer’s World Cup is becoming a reality. The French frontman has been dreaming of making Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament.
According to Loic Tanzi, Mateta is expected to be called up for the World Cup. The Eagles star will likely replace Hugo Ekitike following the Liverpool forward’s ACL injury.
Mateta has enjoyed a resurgence since failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan in January. He’s reclaimed his starting berth in Oliver Glasner’s side and may well have earned a spot on the plane to North America.
Mateta Likely to Make France’s World Cup Squad
Mateta has earned three caps for France, scoring twice but wasn’t included in Deschamps’ squad for the March international break. He sat out friendly wins over Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1).
The 28-year-old has yet to represent Les Bleus at a major tournament, although he did lead the line for his nation at the 2024 Olympic Games. There were suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani would replace Ekitike.
Mateta has appeared 47 times across competitions this season, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists. He is expected to be Glasner’s starting number nine in the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27th.
‘A Childhood Dream’
Mateta will be realising a childhood dream should he indeed earn a call from Deschamps. He is eager to play in a squad boasting the likes of former Palace teammate Michael Olise and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.
The Eagles frontman told L’Equipe (via Get Football News France) just how much he wants to be on the plane:
“It’s different from the 2024 Olympics, firstly because I really don’t have the same status in the squad, and secondly because it’s the gathering of the world’s best players. It’s a childhood dream, like saying to yourself, ‘I can score for the French national team’. Even for you, as a journalist, it’s something extraordinary, and everyone wants to be part of it, don’t they? So imagine as a player… If I can help the team, I’ll be the happiest person in the world.“
Mateta could be one of many Palace players to represent their countries at this summer’s World Cup. The likes of USMNT’s Chris Richards, Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and Japan’s Daichi Kamada are certainties to be in action this summer.
