Roma's Koné gets World Cup chance as Tchouaméni ruled out of France friendly vs Paraguay
Quick summary
Roma midfielder Manu Koné is set to benefit from Aurélien Tchouaméni's injury absence, earning a potential World Cup audition with France ahead of the Paraguay friendly.
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Attributed to original sourceThe latest reports claim that Roma’s Manu Kone is in line to start for France in their 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Paraguay on Saturday evening as Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out through injury.
Kone expected to start for France in World Cup round of 16 clash France are among the favourites to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup and have a 100% win rate in tact after group stage victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway and a 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday.
Didier Deschamps’s side will have to do without the services of Madrid’s Tchouameni, who reported a thigh injury during France’s most recent training session according to updates from the likes of l’Equipe and RMC (via Gianluca Di Marzio ).
Roma’s Kone is the expected replacement for the Madrid man, given that he already has two starts to his name at the tournament in North America.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Thus far, France have rotated between three different combinations of Kone, Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in their midfield double pivot behind the frightening front four of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe.
Kone started alongside Rabiot for France’s 3-0 group stage victory over Iraq and alongside Tchouameni for the 4-1 win over Norway, but came out of the line-up for the round of 16 victory against Sweden.
The round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France will kick off at 22.00 BST, taking place in Philadelphia.
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What happened
Real Madrid's Aurélian Tchouaméni has been ruled out of France's upcoming international friendly against Paraguay due to injury, opening the door for Roma's Manu Koné to step into the squad. The absence gives Koné a valuable opportunity to impress Didier Deschamps and stake a claim for France's 2026 World Cup roster. Koné has been in good form for Roma this season, and this call-up represents a significant moment in his international career. The situation highlights the growing depth in France's midfield pool while also raising concerns about Tchouaméni's fitness ahead of a crucial period for club and country.
Chance analysis
Tchouaméni's injury is a short-term negative for Real Madrid as they lose an important midfielder for international duty recovery time, but also positive for Roma as Koné gains high-level experience. For prediction systems, France's midfield composition changes for the Paraguay friendly, potentially affecting their tactical setup. Koné's World Cup prospects improve, which could impact his confidence and form at Roma.
Koné gains a significant opportunity to impress for France and boost his World Cup chances, while Tchouaméni's injury creates short-term midfield uncertainty for both France and Real Madrid.
France likely fields Koné in midfield for the Paraguay friendly; Tchouaméni's absence is a minor downgrade for Real Madrid's midfield depth in the short term.