Paul Pogba dreams of returning to French national squad in time for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is targeting a return to the French World Cup squad next year.

The Frenchman has not played a competitive game since the 3rd of September 2023 while playing for Juventus in a match against FC Empoli.

He received a doping ban in that year and had his deal with the Italian side terminated. Despite having his sentence reduced, he was only officially able to play competitive football from yesterday when the ban expired.

The former United star has been linked to numerous clubs, even with a surprise return to Old Trafford, but he still remains a free agent.

GIVEMESPORT report that the creative midfielder is in no rush to secure a new club as he is aiming to make the right decision so he can play for France again in next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Paul Pogba is taking his time over deciding his next club as he eyes a place in the France squad for the 2026 World Cup after his doping ban ended,” the outlet claims.

“Sources have been informed that while Pogba is continuing with his training in Miami with personal fitness coaches to get back in shape for a return to action, he is continuing to talk to interested parties about a potential move.”

Clubs in Europe, the MLS and Saudi Arabia are all said to harbour an interest in the player and some clubs in this summer’s inaugural FIFA Club World Cup are also in talks with him.

Pogba is naturally keen to evaluate all his options thoroughly ahead of making a final call on his future.

He “has been in frequent contact with national team boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the new season and has been told that the door is open for him to be selected by Les Bleus once more. However, any call-up would be subject to his fitness and form, making it essential that he picks the right club to continue his career with.”

The 31 year old won the World Cup back in 2018 and even scored a goal in the final against Croatia.

He has played 91 times for his country, scoring 11 goals in the process.

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