Paul Pogba is missing from France's starting lineup for its FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Senegal.
The midfielder was handed a five-year suspension for doping in 2023, reduced to 18 months after an appeal.
What happened to Paul Pogba?
He accumulated just 113 minutes across six league appearances through the 2025-26 season with Monaco.
This limited playing time made it tough for him to make a case for his selection for the 2026 edition.
Why was Paul Pogba suspended?
The former Manchester United and Juventus player was suspended for doping in 2023.
The suspension was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal, but it still affected his selection.
How did Paul Pogba's injury history impact his selection?
In 2022, he missed out from Didier Deschamps' World Cup side after missing a major part of the season due to knee injuries.
This injury history, combined with his limited playing time, made it difficult for him to be selected for the 2026 tournament.
Paul Pogba played a crucial role in France's title run in 2018, but has missed out from the squad for the next two editions.
He currently plays for Ligue 1 side Monaco, but his playing time has been limited.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Senegal was played on June 16, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Paul Pogba's absence from the starting lineup was notable, given his past contributions to the French team.
The midfielder's future with the French national team remains uncertain, given his limited playing time and suspension.