Lyon Captain Corentin Tolisso Vows to Fight for 2026 World Cup Spot Despite Deschamps Snub
Olympique Lyonnais captain Corentin Tolisso is enjoying a resurgent season, highlighted by a recent hat-trick in a 6-0 Europa League victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday. Despite his strong form, the 31-year-old has not been recalled to the French national team since June 23, 2021, marking his 28th and final international cap to date.
Tolisso, a 2018 World Cup winner, expressed his desire to return to the squad for the 2026 tournament. “I have this little regret of not going above when I feel good like that,” he saeid at a press conference Saturday. “I wonder what more I can do. As the coach says, I can’t do anything more. It’s up to me to be consistent, to perform and I really believe that the work will be rewarded.I believe in it wholeheartedly.”
The midfielder acknowledged Didier Deschamps’ preference for younger players and the recent recall of N’Golo Kanté, but remains determined. “even if a lot of people say that the coach doesn’t like OL, I don’t necessarily believe it,” Tolisso stated.
He affirmed his commitment to pursuing a place in the squad, stating, “The World Cup is a goal. This helps me perform on the field since I know where I want to go. I’m coming from afar as you see, as I do, the decisions that are made. I respect them. I won’t let go. If I have to go there, I will be very happy. If I don’t go, my daughters will be very happy.”
