Paul Pogba’s dream of featuring at the 2026 World Cup appears to be hanging by a thread, despite the midfielder’s recent return to competitive action with Monaco. Former France international Frank Leboeuf has delivered a blunt assessment of the ex-Manchester United star’s international prospects, rating his chances of making Didier Deschamps’ squad at just “five per cent” and joking that even Zinedine Zidane might have a similar shot at selection.
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Pogba, once a cornerstone of France’s midfield and a key figure in their 2018 World Cup triumph, is now facing the harsh reality of time, form, and fierce competition working against him as Les Bleus look ahead to the next global tournament.
A long road back after injuries, suspension, and setbacks
Deschamps has always admired Pogba’s unique blend of power, creativity, and personality, qualities that were on full display when France lifted the World Cup in Russia. Pogba even capped that tournament with a goal in the final against Croatia, underlining his importance at the peak of his powers.
However, the years that followed proved turbulent. Pogba’s second spell at Manchester United, which began with a then-world-record £89 million move in 2016, never fully lived up to expectations. While flashes of brilliance were evident, consistency and fitness issues prevented him from becoming the dominant figure many expected.
A return to Juventus in 2022 was supposed to reignite his career, but injuries once again derailed his momentum. After making just 12 appearances, Pogba’s situation worsened dramatically when he failed a doping test in September 2023. Initially handed a four-year suspension, the ban was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
During that enforced absence, Juventus terminated his contract, leaving Pogba without a club for months. It was only in late 2025 that he finally resumed his career, signing for Monaco and making his debut on November 22.
Leboeuf’s verdict: “It’s over”
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Despite Pogba’s return to action, Leboeuf remains unconvinced that the midfielder can force his way back into international contention. Speaking to GOAL, the World Cup winner acknowledged Deschamps’ fondness for Pogba but questioned whether sentiment could outweigh reality.
Leboeuf pointed out that extended periods away from competitive football take a heavy toll, particularly for a player now in his early thirties. While training can help restore fitness, he stressed that nothing replicates the demands of high-level match action.
Competition is another major obstacle. France’s midfield pool is deep, filled with players who have maintained consistency and fitness over several seasons. Leboeuf even joked that recalling Pogba alongside N’Golo Kanté would feel like turning back the clock, sarcastically suggesting that Antoine Griezmann and even Zinedine Zidane might as well be summoned too.
Ultimately, Leboeuf offered a brutally honest assessment: he assigned Pogba just a 5% chance of making the 2026 squad, admitting that even that figure was generous.
Deschamps leaves the door open — cautiously
Deschamps, for his part, has been more diplomatic when discussing Pogba’s future with the national team. The France manager has previously stated that any return would depend entirely on Pogba’s performances and physical condition.
He acknowledged the midfielder’s determination to return but stressed that the first and most important step was playing again at club level after more than two-and-a-half years away from regular football. For Deschamps, Pogba pulling on a Monaco shirt and completing matches represents a significant milestone in itself.
However, Deschamps has also admitted the delicate balance involved in discussing a potential recall, knowing that premature optimism could easily backfire.
Pogba is realistic about his uphill battle
Pogba himself has shown a level-headed approach when assessing his international ambitions. After spending 811 days out of action, the midfielder has admitted that a France recall remains a distant objective rather than an immediate expectation.
He has publicly stated that his primary focus is rebuilding fitness and contributing positively at Monaco. Without strong performances at the club level, Pogba accepts that thoughts of wearing the blue shirt again must be put aside.
While Pogba is not entirely ruling out a return to the international stage, he recognises the scale of the challenge ahead.
A legacy already secured, whatever happens next
If Pogba never adds to his 91 France caps, his place in the nation’s football history is already secure. Alongside World Cup glory, he also lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and enjoyed several years as one of the most recognisable midfielders in world football.
Whether or not he reaches a century of international appearances, Pogba’s immediate mission is clear: stay fit, rediscover rhythm, and enjoy playing football again. With Ligue 1 now paused for the winter break, the coming months will determine whether this late-career revival can truly gather momentum — or whether the international chapter has finally closed.
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