Ismaëlo Ganiou pre-convoked for Zidane's France list

Ismaëlo Ganiou has moved closer to a first France appearance after receiving a pre-convocation for Zinédine Zidane’s opening squad. The 21-year-old RC Lens centre-back is among the players being considered for the national team’s first list under its new coach.

Ganiou has become a regular presence in Lens’ defence after establishing himself in Pierre Sage’s 3-4-2-1 system late in 2025. He took on a larger role during Jonathan Gradit’s absence and started the side’s 3-1 victory over Nice in the Coupe de France final. His progress has also earned him a contract extension with Lens through 2030.

The defender has represented both Burkina Faso and France. He played once for Burkina Faso in June 2025 before appearing twice for France Under-21s in March, a switch permitted under FIFA eligibility rules. Born in France and holding both nationalities, Ganiou now has a route into Zidane’s senior squad.

Zidane is due to announce his selections on 18 September for France’s first four Nations League group matches in 2027. France will face Turkey in Kocaeli on 25 September, Belgium in Brussels on 28 September, Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October and Belgium again in Paris on 5 October.