France head coach Zinedine Zidane has left N’Golo Kante out of his first squad since taking charge of the national team.

Axar.az reports, citing beIN Sports, that the 35-year-old midfielder, who has 69 caps and helped France win the 2018 World Cup, was omitted from the 23-man squad announced on Friday.

Kante was included in France’s 2026 World Cup squad but did not play during the tournament, with France eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.

Explaining his decision, Zidane said the omission was his choice and that he wanted to give younger players an opportunity to help the team evolve.

“He was an exemplary player. But he's 35 years old; I have four years at the head of this team. I made choices,” Zidane said.

Zidane also left Karim Benzema out of consideration, saying he wanted to look at younger players, while five uncapped players were included in his first squad.

France will face Turkiye on September 25 in Zidane’s first match in charge.