Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Paul Pogba France World Cup absence is one of the notable storylines around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder no longer part of the France squad.
Pogba, now 33, has not played for France since 2022, a sharp change for a player who scored in the 2018 World Cup final and helped his country lift the trophy.
His story comes during another World Cup lookback after River Plate School World Cup Story Links Argentina Stars Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez, with past tournament heroes still shaping current debate. Fans can follow official updates through the FIFA website.
Injuries Started Pogba’s Slide
Pogba’s problems began during his second spell at Juventus, where he suffered a meniscus injury soon after returning to the club.
He missed several months, then had a muscle injury that kept him sidelined again during the 2022-23 season.
For a midfielder once known for power, range and attacking timing, the run of injuries made it hard to build rhythm.
That loss of fitness also kept him away from the France national team picture.
Ban and Monaco Move Shape Future
Pogba later failed a drug test in 2023 and was given a four-year doping ban by Italian officials in February 2024.
The suspension was then reduced to 18 months, backdated from the positive test.
Juventus and Pogba agreed to end his contract in November 2024 before the ban had finished.
Pogba signed with Monaco in June 2025 and made his first competitive appearance on November 22, 2025, ending an 811-day wait.
A persistent calf injury has stopped him from playing since the start of 2026, leaving his future uncertain as France begin another World Cup without him.
